** Shares of Woodside Energy WDS.AX rise as much as 1.7% to A$26.640, their highest level since June 16

** The Australian energy sub-index .AXEJ gains 0.5% after oil prices were lifted by hopes of improved economic activity after the U.S.-EU trade deal, a potential U.S.-China tariff truce. O/R

** Woodside says it will take over operatorship of the Bass Strait oil and gas assets from ExxonMobil XOM.N, unlocking an estimated $60 million in synergies

** Stock last up 1.4%, bringing YTD gains to 6.5%

(Reporting by Adwitiya Srivastava in Bengaluru)

((Adwitiya.Srivastava@thomsonreuters.com))