Oil soars to biggest one-day gain since 2008, lifted by stock markets, US economic growth

WASHINGTON -- Oil soared more than 10 percent Thursday, its biggest one-day gain since March 2009, lifted by resurgent global stock markets and a report showing the U.S. economy grew faster than previously reported in the second quarter.

U.S. stocks are closing sharply higher after China's main stock index logged its biggest gain in eight weeks. A report also showed that the U.S. economy expanded at a much faster pace than previously estimated.

U.S. oil rose $3.96, or 10.3 percent, to $42.56 in New York. That is the biggest gain since March 12, 2009, when oil gained 11 percent. Brent crude rose 10.3 percent to $47.56 a barrel in London.

Oil had fallen to a 6 year low because of a global supply glut and worries about the health of China's economy. Analysts viewed Thursday's gain as a reaction to the rebound in China's main stock index, which rose the most in eight weeks, and don't see anything pointing to a long-term rally in oil prices.

"One up day in a sea of consistent summer selling does not make for an imminent recovery in crude oil, or in gasoline," said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at Oil Price Information Service.

U.S. consumers can still expect to see sharply lower gasoline prices in the fall. Kloza said OPIS sees pump prices falling 12 cents to 17 cents a month from September through December. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline Thursday was $2.53, down 90 cents from a year ago, according to OPIS and AAA.

Oil was also boosted by positive U.S. economic news. A government report showed that the U.S. economy grew 3.7 percent in the second quarter, significantly better than the initial estimate of 2.3 percent growth.