US crude futures end up, snaps 6-day losing streak

NEW YORK, July 9 (Reuters) - U.S crude oil futures ended higher on Thursday, snapping a six-day losing streak, lifted by bargain-hunting, a drop in jobs benefits claims and as gasoline futures mounted a late, supportive rally.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude oil for August delivery CLQ9 settled up 27 cents, or 0.45 percent at $60.41 a barrel, after trading from $59.25 to $61.62. The day's low was the lowest since front-month crude oil futures hit $58.55 on May 19. (Reporting by Gene Ramos)