Oil prices fell slightly on Friday, raising fears of a global economic slowdown that will reduce demand.

The two oil references, namely the barrel of Brent North Sea, for delivery in September, fell by 0.26% to 104.38 dollars while that of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), for delivery in August, left 0.44% for 102.28 dollars. On the other hand, crude prices held steady above the psychological threshold of $100 a barrel, after a very volatile week.

Investors fear a decrease in supply as a result of falling oil prices. Fears "a little exaggerated" according to Christopher Waller, one of the governors of the U.S. central bank who believes that a new increase in key rates of three-quarters of a percentage point at the next meeting of theHe believes that a further increase in key interest rates of three-quarters of a percentage point at the next meeting on 26 and 27 July should be sufficient to "curb inflation without causing a real severe recession".