Oil halts four-day drop, U.S. stockpile data supports

By Florence Tan SINGAPORE (Reuters) - 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 $51.60 by 0253 GMT, up 45 cents. U.S. crude rose