Brent hovered near $55 a barrel on Thursday after data showed U.S. crude stockpiles set a record for the fifth week in a row, renewing fears that supply is still far outpacing demand. March Brent futures were up 62 cents to $55.28 a barrel at 0713 GMT, following a 3-percent loss in the previous session that saw prices break below $54 at one point. U.S. March futures were trading up $1.09 at $49.93, after falling more than 2 percent in the previous session.