WTI crude oil futures gained 1.2% to settle at $66 per barrel on Thursday, snapping a four-day losing streak, as optimism around US trade negotiations and a sharper-than-expected drop in crude inventories lifted market sentiment. Risk appetite improved after reports that the US and EU are progressing toward a trade deal that would introduce a 15% tariff on most EU goods, following a similar agreement with Japan. Hopes that easing trade tensions will support global economic growth helped alleviate concerns about future oil demand. On the supply front, US crude inventories dropped by 3.2 million barrels last week, more than double analysts' expectations, indicating strong demand. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions remained high as Russia temporarily halted oil exports from Black Sea ports and the US and EU weighed additional sanctions targeting Russian energy.