Economic News
ECB tweaks forward guidance, drops bias towards greater easing
The European Central Bank stopped suggesting on Thursday that it might yet 'up the ante' on its asset purchase programme if needed, but continued to hold out the possibility of an extension in the APP beyond September.
Friday preview: US non-farm payrolls; results from GVC, Inmarsat and SIG
Unless Friday's US jobs report is very bad, Federal Reserve policymakers are quite likely to raise interest rates at their meeting later this month.
US initial jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
China February trade surplus surprises sharply to the upside
Amid ongoing trade tensions globally, the latest international trade figures out of the People's Republic of China surprised sharply to the upside on Thursday.
ECB vows to extend QE past September if needed
The European Central Bank kept all its main policy settings unchanged and reiterated that its asset purchase programme may run past September, if needed, contrary to some analysts' expectations.
Many local councils running out of cash as social care demands surge
One in 10 local councils could run out of cash in the next three years as they cope with increased demand for social care and government funding cuts of 50% since 2011.
UK to guarantee Gibraltar it won't be excluded from Brexit deal by Spain
Ministers are guaranteeing Gibraltar that it will not be left out of any Brexit deal struck with the European Union after the divorce and that they will refuse to "choose" between the Rock and a trade deal.
Next faces £30m equal pay claim from shop-floor workers
More than 300 Next employees are claiming up to £30m in total in back pay from the clothing retail over the thousands of female staff they say are paid less than male counterparts.