World oil prices have just passed a key milestone on their long journey out of the doldrums, hitting $50 for the first time in seven months. The big milestone happened earlier than many expected, fueled by major supply outages that wiped out production in Nigeria, Venezuela and facilities in Canada being disrupted by major wildfires. Both U.S. and Brent crude prices climbed back above $50 a barrel early on Thursday following a report showing that U.S. crude stockpiles had fallen by more than expected. For WTI oil, it's the first time above $50 a barrel since October and leaves it an incredible 93% above its February ... (full story)