Crude oil prices decrease on euro-zone countries ratings downgrades

Crude oil prices declined following the downgrading of the credit ratings in 15 euro-zone countries by the rating agency Standard & Poor's. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude oil futures for due January were traded at USD100.75 a barrel at the early European trade, losing 0.25% since opening.  However, analysts claim the decrease might have been higher as Iranian issue limited losses.