NEW YORK, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Brent crude futures rose on Thursday, while U.S. crude moved lower, in heavy spread trading that increased Brent's premium to its U.S. counterpart.

Brent March crude rose 65 cents, or 0.57 percent, to settle at $115.55 a barrel, having traded from $114.28 to $115.76.

For the month, Brent gained $4.44, or 4 percent.

(Reporting by Robert Gibbons; Editing by Marguerita Choy) Keywords: ENERGY CRUDE/FUTURES

(robert.gibbons@thomsonreuters.com)(+1 646 223 6059)(Reuters Messaging: robert.gibbons.reuters.com@reuters.net)

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