Oil prices were mostly higher as the market digested positive US economic data pointing to recovery in the world's largest energy consumer.
Action came after official data showed US retail sales rose by a stronger-than-expected 2.7 per cent in August from July.
In a separate report, the US government said a surge in energy costs pushed up US producer prices 1.7 per cent in August as inflation at the wholesale level turned positive, after a 0.9 per cent decline in July.
All the data pushed the price of crude higher as it showed more potential for growth, analysts said.
New York's main contract, light sweet crude for October delivery, gained $US2.07 to finish at $US70.93 a barrel, after two daily declines.
In London, Brent North Sea crude for October delivery drifted nine cents lower to settle at $US67.35 a barrel.
Gold prices continued their rise, while other metals also posted gains.
Gold for December delivery added $US5.20 to settle at $US1006.30 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
December silver gained 3.77 cents to $US17.00 an ounce, while copper rose 4.05 cents to $US2.845 a pound.
