Sep WTI crude oil (CLU24) today is up +1.42 (+1.84%), and Sep RBOB gasoline (RBU24) is up +4.66 (+2.01%). Crude oil and gasoline prices today are moderately higher. Stronger-than-expected US jobless claims and retail sales reports today signaled economic strength and were positive for energy demand and crude prices. Also, today’s rally in the S&P 500 to a 2-week high bolstered confidence in the economic outlook and supported the energy demand outlook and crude prices. In addition, crude has support as risks remain high for a retaliatory attack by Iran against Israel, further escalating Middle …