Oil prices were higher today trading up after US economic data eased fears of a recession. Data showed U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in July. Another report showed a smaller-than-expected increase in the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits. “The positive economic data serve as an indicator that we’re heading towards a soft landing,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York. The Russia-Ukraine conflict also kept prices elevated. Russia said on Thursday it would beef up border defenses, improve command and control and send in additional forces, days after Ukraine made the biggest attack on its sovereign territory since World War Two. WTI traded down $1.18 or -1.53% to close at $78.16. Brent traded down $1.28 or -1.6% to close at $81.04.