Oil holds near 2016 highs after U.S. inventory drop

By Amanda Cooper LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held steady on Thursday, underpinned by a surprisingly large drop in U.S. inventory levels the previous day to stay within sight of this year's highs hit in June. Brent crude futures were virtually unchanged at $51.85 per barrel at 1120 GMT, after hitting a high of $52.09 the previous day. U.S. futures were down 9 cents at $49.74 a barrel Both contracts hit their highest in nearly four months on Wednesday after U.S. data showed crude oil stockpiles