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

U.S. March crude fell 45 cents, or 0.46 percent, to settle at $97.49 a barrel, having traded from $96.84 to $98.04.

For the month, U.S. crude gained $5.67, or 6.17 percent.

(Reporting by Robert Gibbons; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick) Keywords: ENERGY CRUDE/FUTURES

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

COPYRIGHT

Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013. All rights reserved.

The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.