Oil prices edge lower on U.S.-China tensions - Reuters

Oil prices edge lower on U.S.-China tensions - Reuters:

Oil prices edged lower on Friday, pressured by tensions between the United States and China, but some supportive economic data in Europe tempered losses.

Brent crude futures fell 13 cents to $43.18 a barrel by 11:19 a.m. EDT (1519 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 5 cents to $41.02 a barrel.

Both benchmarks were on track for a modest weekly rise.

China ordered the United States to close its consulate in the city of Chengdu on Friday, responding to a U.S. demand this week that China close its Houston consulate.