Oil prices edge off earlier gains, awaiting supply figures

By David Gaffen NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices edged off earlier gains to end Tuesday nearly unchanged, as the support from OPEC's plan to limit production were undercut by an energy watchdog's assessment of how much those nations are currently producing. U.S. crude futures, which hit a high of $53.41 a barrel in early trading, settled up just 15 cents to $52.98 a barrel, losing ground late in the session. Brent crude ended up three cents to $55.72 a barrel. ...