Oil futures prices, which have risen sharply...

Oil futures prices, which have risen sharply in recent sessions amid optimism that OPEC members might rein in their continuing overproduction, changed direction and skidded lower as pessimism returned to the volatile market. The November contract for West Texas Intermediate, the benchmark grade of U.S. crude, dropped 60 cents to close at $14.61 per 42-gallon barrel in New York Mercantile Exchange trading. On Monday, the November contract jumped 29 cents.