Oil prices rise on weaker dollar, optimism on output cuts

By Keith Wallis SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices nudged higher in tepid Asian trading on Thursday, supported by a weaker dollar and optimism crude producers would abide by an agreement to curb output to prop up markets. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude had risen 13 cents to $52.62 a barrel by 0121, after closing the previous session down 81 cents. The dollar index , which tracks the greenback against a basket of six rival currencies, slipped as investors took profits after its rise to a 14-yea