Oil prices fell about 2 percent on Friday, retreating further from 11-month highs hit last week as a resurgence of coronavirus infections in China stoked fears about depressed demand for the commodity.
Benchmark Brent crude for March settlement dropped 1.8 percent to $55.07 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down as much as 2.1 percent at $52.03.
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Market Analysis
April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.