Oil prices tumble 6% amid fading hopes for a smooth improvement in global demand

· *Oil futures sank on Thursday as dire economic data releases pointed to a demand recovery lasting longer than expected.*
· *West Texas Intermediate crude fell as much as 6.3%, to $38.72 per barrel. Brent crude slid 5.4%, to $41.38, at intraday lows.*
· *Thursday reports showed US GDP sliding the most on record and jobless...