FedEx Corp. announced that it has acquired RouteSmart Technologies, a global leader in route optimization solutions with over 40 years of expertise, providing mission-critical technology to newspaper, postal & parcel, public works, utilities & field service, and waste collection organizations worldwide. The combination of RouteSmart’s leading technology solutions with FedEx’s unparalleled physical and data networks will enable the world’s largest express transportation provider to further drive efficiency across its own global operations, while also strengthening the company’s suite of technology solutions. “This is yet another step on our journey to make supply chains smarter for everyone as we revolutionize logistics,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Corporation. “Our physical network generates terabytes of data that contain invaluable insights about the global supply chain. Through this acquisition, we will use RouteSmart’s expertise and proven technology platform to accelerate the deployment of a common route optimization capability for FedEx operations that will enable our team members to work safer and smarter as they deliver superior service to our customers.”

Crude had risen since late last week as tensions in Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest producer, led to the halt of production at two Kirkuk fields. The resulting export curbs pushed oil in the U.S. to a three-week high on Wednesday but Brent has failed to breach last month’s peak and dropped below $58 following the inventory data. Prices reflect “oil bulls taking profit after the supply disruption in Iraq failed to drive Brent to new highs,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank A/S. “It’s a classic risk-off move. On balance, I believe yesterday’s EIA report was net bearish.” U.S. gasoline inventories expanded by 908,000 barrels last week, while distillate supplies climbed to 134.5 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration. Refinery utilization slipped as plants including Exxon Mobil Corp.’s Joliet refinery in Illinois were said to carry out maintenance. Click Read More below for additional information.

West Texas Intermediate futures were little changed after dropping 2.1 percent to a one-week low on Monday. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries pumped 32.83 million barrels a day in September, up 120,000 barrels a day from August, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Libyan production is set to recover from a five-month low as the nation’s biggest field restarts following a brief halt. “With news of Libyan output looking to recover back to the 1 million-barrel-a-day level, oil bulls need to hold out for another bout of news on geopolitics,” said Jens Naervig Pedersen, senior analyst at Danske Bank A/S in Copenhagen. Click Read More below for additional detail.