** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ rise as much as 2.2% to
hit their highest level since Aug 5
** Sub-index up 1.4% for the week, on track for best week
since July 5, if current gains hold
** Oil prices gained this week after U.S. economic data
allayed fears of a recession and on worries of a widening
conflict in the Middle East O/R
** Shares of top energy firms Woodside Energy WDS.AX and
Santos STO.AX rise as much as 2.6% and 2%, respectively, on
Friday
** Deep Yellow DYL.AX and Boss Energy BOE.AX rise up to
5% and 3.8%, respectively, to become top gainers in the
sub-index
** Deep Yellow hits highest level since Aug. 2, heading for
a third straight session of gains
** AXEJ down 12.2% YTD, as of last close
(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)
((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com;))