Oil prices settled slightly lower today but recorded a weekly gain as Middle East tensions and disruptions to oil output offset concerns about the Chinese and global economies. In China, slower-than-expected economic growth in the fourth quarter raised doubts about forecasts that demand there will drive global oil growth in 2024. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 67 cents per barrel to settle at $73.41 per barrel. Brent futures settled 54 cents per barrel lower to settle at US$78.56 per barrel. For the week, Brent gained ½ of a per cent while the WTI rose over 1% week over week. In Canada One Exchange WCS for March delivery settled Friday at US$18.20 below the WTI-CMA. The implied value was US$54.88 per barrel.