Although there have been numerous economic reports to derail oil (NYSE:USO), the black gold continues to hold firm. Last week, investors were reminded that the employment picture remains weak, as initial claims came in at 418k.

Although there have been numerous economic reports to derail oil (NYSE:USO), the black gold continues to hold firm.

Copper (NYSE:JJC) decreased the most in four weeks, as poor economic data released on Thursday worried investors. Although the Chinese manufacturing report isn’t due till August 1st, preliminary data showed that Chinese manufacturing slid to a 28-month low.