US crude edges lower, China econ data in focus

SINGAPORE: US crude futures edged lower on Monday, following gains in the previous four sessions on strong economic data in the United States and worries that the intensifying crisis in Ukraine may trigger more sanctions.

Oil prices on both sides of the Atlantic registered their second straight month of losses in August, with Brent down 2.8 percent and US crude falling 2.3 percent.

Weak demand and rising global production is weighing on oil despite the intensifying Ukraine crisis which could trigger more sanctions on Russia, Europe's biggest supplier of oil, coal and natural gas. Investors will be watching China's official manufacturing PMI reading on Monday.

Any further sign of weakness in factory activity may strengthen fears of a slowdown in the major commodity user, and spur declines in oil.