Little change in oil prices

LONDON, Aug 16 (Reuters): Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday as investors weighed worries about China's embattled economy against expectations of tighter supply in the United States.

Brent crude futures edged up 10 cents to $84.99 a barrel by 1325 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) crept 2 cents higher to $81.01 a barrel.

Both benchmarks fell more than 1 per cent in the previous session to their lowest since Aug. 8.

China's sluggish economy is in focus, after retail sales, industrial output and investment figures failed to match expectations, fuelling concern over a deeper, longer-lasting slowdown.

July activity figures have prompted concerns that China may struggle to meet its growth target of about 5 per cent for the year without more fiscal stimulus, and calls for authorities to take decisive steps.

Without giving details, a cabinet meeting chaired on Wednesday by premier Li Qiang said China would continue to introduce policies aimed at boosting consumption and promoting investment.