Baker Hughes, the oil services company, announced today that the number of crude drilling rigs and platforms fell in America this week by about eight platforms to a total of 825 platforms.

The number of natural gas rigs has also dropped to 187 this week, while total oil and gas rigs in the United States dropped 10 to 1012, compared to 1013 in the same period a year earlier.

The data released today instead of tomorrow as a result of the closure of Wall Street and a number of international markets to celebrate the "Good Friday" holiday.

Silver prices rose slightly on Thursday's trading, amid pressure from the dollar's rebound against most major currencies due to positive economic data and optimism about trade negotiations.

US Labor data showed that the number of jobless claims fell last week to 196,000, the lowest level since 1969.

In addition, US retail sales rose 1.6% in March, the biggest monthly increase in a year and a half.

The dollar index (against a number of major currencies) rose by 0.4% to 97.4 points at 18:26 GMT, reaching a high of 97.4 points and a low of 96.6 points.

At the same time, optimism about a near trade agreement between Washington and Beijing remains the dominant market position, driving investors away from precious metals as safe havens.

Silver futures (May delivery) fell by 0.1% to $14.955 an ounce. The metal posted a weekly loss of less than 0.1%, while the session highest price at $14.99 and the lowest at $14.895.

US crude prices fell during today's trading, erasing previous gains, while Brent maintained slight gains, amid pressure from the dollar and before the release of data on exploration activities in the United States.

The dollar index (against a number of major currencies) rose by 0.4% to 97.3 points by 15:50 GMT, reaching a day high of 97.4 points and a low of 96.9 points.

Baker Hughes will unveil drilling activities for crude and natural gas in the United States today, and the data is being released today instead of tomorrow due to the Good Friday holiday.

China's economic data released yesterday eased market concerns  about the world's second-largest economy slowdown in 2019 as retail sales rose and the economy grew 6.3 percent in the first quarter.

In terms of trade, West Texas fell by 0.2% to $63.6 a barrel by 15:48 GMT, recording a high of $64.1 and a low of $63.6.

Brent rose 0.1% to $ 71.7 a barrel, the day's high of $ 72.04 and the lowest price of $ 71.2.

US stock indices opened on mixed performance in today's session- the last session of the week -in light of the emergence of political concerns in the markets and the anticipation for more corporate business reports.

This comes despite the decline of jobless claims in the United States last week to the lowest level in five decades, while the index of retail sales rose in March, to reach the largest pace in 18 months.

News agencies will reveal today what is known as special counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Trump and Russia, which may reveal details about the extent of connection between the US President Donald Trump's campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 US presidential election.

Tomorrow for Wall Street and a number of international markets will be  a public holiday to celebrate the "Friday of Sorrows" or "Good Friday".

In terms of trading, Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.2% (equivalent to 50 points) to 26,500 points, while Nasdaq fell 0.3% (24 points) to 7,771 points, while Standard & Poors fell By 0.1% (three points) to 2,897 points.