NEW YORK (Reuters) - The S&P 500 ended lower following a drop in technology and transportation shares on Thursday, while oil prices extended their recent rally.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose to an eight-week high on Thursday, as a rally in U.S. gasoline futures spurred further gains this week that came after key OPEC members pledged to reduce exports and the U.S. government reported a sharp decline in crude inventories.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil ended its strongest week this year with a surge on Friday, built on receding fears of oversupply, as U.S. crude came within striking distance of $50 a barrel for the first time since the end of May.

Most U.S. stocks fell amid disappointing earnings that have rattled technology shares, while the dollar weakened and gold climbed after data showed the American economy expanding at a slower-than-expected pace.

(Reuters) - Australian shares snapped a three-day winning streak and ended lower on Friday, as investors grew cautious ahead of upcoming earnings as well as second quarter U.S. economic growth data.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar touched its lowest in more than a year and U.S. Treasury prices rose on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged and signalled it could begin to cut its massive bond portfolio in the coming months.