Oil steadies after sharp drop, but US tariffs and OPEC forecast cut weigh

Oil prices saw a mild recovery in early Friday trade after a 2% slump in the previous session, triggered by new U.S. tariffs and a downgrade in OPEC's demand outlook. Brent crude rose 19 cents, or 0.28%, to $68.83 a barrel, while U.S. WTI gained 26 cents, or 0.39%, to $66.83 a barrel.