Brent crude extended gains on Thursday to hold above $51 a barrel, after an unexpected fall in U.S. crude stocks snapped a 4-session decline the previous day. Data showing the U.S. economy remained resilient amid slowing global growth helped bolster oil, which was also supported by Chinese crude imports likely hitting a record high in December. Brent crude marked an intraday high of $51.91 a barrel and was at $51.30 by 0543 GMT, up 15 cents. U.S. crude had risen 25 cents to $48.90 after touching a peak of $49.65. But pressure on prices that have plunged more than half since June highs remains strong, with key producers such as OPEC and Russia showing no signs of cutting output despite a supply glut and as major economies in Europe and Asia struggle with slowing growth. “Sentiment towards the oil market remains negative but the lack of […]