Brent down slightly to $69 w/e April 5 from Wed's peak

ANKARA

International benchmark Brent crude fell slightly from Wednesday's highs to $69.45 at 1222 GMT on Friday, while American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) saw prices of $62.03.

Global oil prices pushed towards their highest levels in five months on Wednesday, with Brent nearing $70 and WTI reaching towards $63.

The demand picture, after a positive growth return in China's and the U.S.' PMI numbers, increased prices. In addition, trade talks between the U.S. and China did not result in the expected market confidence, resulting in pressure on prices that forced them rapidly higher.

Brent opened Monday at $66.77 per barrel while WTI traded at $58.76 per barrel, driven by the decline in the U.S. oil rig count by eight over the previous week.

During the week, tight global supply pushed prices higher amid U.S. sanctions against Iran and Venezuela, and production cuts from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other major producers.