Oil prices inch higher as traders digest economic data

NEW YORK, April 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. oil prices edged up slightly on Tuesday as the market digested the latest macroeconomic data from major economies.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery gained three cents, or 0.04 percent, to settle at 80.86 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for June delivery increased one cent, or 0.01 percent, to settle at 84.77 dollars a ba