Oil prices

The price of Brent crude oil, an international benchmark, touched a seven-year high of more than $99 (£73) a barrel after President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine's east.

But prices later moderated, despite Western countries responding with economic sanctions and moves to block a key Russian gas pipeline.

Shares also stemmed early losses.

At the start of trading, Brent crude jumped 19% to $71.95 a barrel, while the other major benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, rose 15% to $63.34.

Prices eased back slightly after US President Donald Trump authorised the release of US reserves.

It could take weeks before the Saudi facilities are fully back on line.

The drone attacks on plants in the heartland of Saudi Arabia's oil industry included hitting the world's biggest petroleum-processing facility.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tehran was behind the attacks. Iran accused the US of "deceit."

KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average rose 137 points, or 0.8 percent, to 16,925 as of 9:50 a.m. Eastern. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 15 points, or 0.8 percent, to 1,995 and the Nasdaq composite rose 33 points, or 0.7 percent, to 4,781. The Dow has risen for the past three days, while the S&P 500 for five days out of the past six.