Oil halts advance ahead of inventory data

    By Michael Kitchen     Crude-oil futures retreated modestly in electronic trade early Wednesday, paring their gains ahead of key inventory data.     Crude for March delivery CLH3 -0.06% gave back 13 cents or 0.1% to trade at $96.55 a barrel, trimming a 64-cent advance during Tuesday’s regular New York Mercantile Exchange session. Read: Oil...