Currencies
BoE cuts near-term forecasts, points to hike towards turn of year
Policymakers at the Bank of England opted to keep Bank Rate on hold on Thursday, sticking to their forecasts for a moderate pace of economic expansion over the medium-term, while pointing to current market pricing for another hike in Bank Rate around the turn of the year - although there were two dissenters.
FX round-up: Pound lower as Bank of England delivers unexpected 'dovish hold'
Sterling weakened after the Monetary Policy Committee surprised economists who were expecting a 'hawkish hold' on policy, by cutting its forecasts for near-term growth in the UK economy and for inflation.
Middle East tensions increase after Israel attacks Iranian targets in Syria
Tensions in the Middle East heightened overnight Thursday as Israel launched air strikes against Iranian targets inside Syria in retaliation for a rocket attack on the Golan Heights it pinned on Iran.
US 'core' CPI falls short of forecasts in April
Consumer prices in the States advanced by slightly less-than-expected last month despite a bounce back in energy costs.
US jobless claims hold steady near 48-year low
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week, according to data released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
North Korean and US summit likely to be held in Singapore - report
The historic summit between the US and North Korea will be held in Singapore, CNN reported citing people familiar with the plans.