International News
Europe close: Stocks end lower as global uncertainties weigh
Equities on the other side of the Channel finished in the red, reversing early gains in another down day in Italian government debt markets and on the heels of a weak reading on German factory goods orders.
EU set to fine Google billions over alleged abuse of power
According to the Financial Times, the European Commission is ready to impose a second antitrust fine on Google over alleged abuse of power in Android licensing deals with phone makers.
Davis, May compromise over 'backstop' Irish border plan
Brexit Secretary David Davis and Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday averted a crisis when they agreed a compromise on the proposed Irish border "backstop" plan stating the arrangement should be in place by the end of December 2021 and "time limited" .
Weekly US unemployment claims little changed at all-time lows
Initial US jobless claims, a key lead indicator of hiring trends in the US, continued to hover near their multi-year lows during the latest week.
China's ZTE agrees to $1bn fine and American compliance demands, US's Ross says
Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE has agreed to pay a $1bn fine and to the presence of a compliance team chosen by US officials inside the firm as part of a deal to regain access to American-made components and technology.
Asia report: Markets finish higher as sentiment improves
Markets in Asia finished mostly higher on Thursday, led by Japanese markets, after a solid session on Wall Street overnight was boosted by technology stocks.
US pre-open: Stocks to rise but gains seen more muted
US futures pointed to a mostly positive session on Wall Street on Thursday following a rally the day before, although gains were expected to be much more muted.
IKEA commits to total ban on single-use plastic products by 2020
IKEA is planning to eliminate all single-use plastic products from its catalogue by 2020 in a bid to help solve the growing global environmental crisis resulting from their use.
US close: Tech rally keeps Wall Street well above water
Wall Street trading ended Wednesday’s session on a much more positive note as a technology and internet stock rally remained intact, on the back of a degree of optimism around ongoing trade talks between China and the US.