International News
Fed's Powell's positive on economy, financial markets' reaction is being monitored
The Federal Reserve needs to calibrate how much it needs to further tighten monetary policy and at what pace, central bank chairman, Jerome Powell, said overnight.
Tobacco stocks fall as FDA cracks down on ecig flavours
Tobacco stocks tumbled on Wall Street after US regulators announced new restrictions on flavoured electronic cigarettes and potential bans on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars.
US open: Dow Jones on track for longest decline in five months
Wall Street trading began with losses on Thursday, following on from those seen during the previous session, as the dollar surged against the pound and investors continued to eye headlines around trade talks between the US and China.
Walmart sales beat forecasts, helped by Asda
Walmart turned in a stronger-than-expected set of sales figures ahead of the all-important holiday season, leading the retailer to boost its full-year outlook and put rival Amazon on notice.
Cryptocurrencies drop 12% to hit a one-year low
Cryptocurrencies were adding to their Wednesday plunge with the best-known of them, Bitcoin, down 12. 61% to $5,428.
US jobless claims rose unexpectedly last week
US jobless claims edged only slightly higher last week, but some economists believed there were signs in the data that, at least for now, momentum in the jobs market might be topping out.
October US retail sales rise as expected
US retail sales grew more quickly than expected last month, boosted by sales of motor vehicles, building materials and at gasoline stations.
Philly Fed index drops more than expected in November
Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region deteriorated more than expected in November, according to a survey released on Thursday.
Facebook reportedly involved in smear campaign against social media critics
Facebook stood accused of threatening democracy after a report from Open Society Foundations revealed it linked critics of the social media platform to non-profits’ founder George Soros in a move to discredit them.
Empire State manufacturing index unexpectedly ticks higher
Business conditions in the New York region unexpectedly improved in November, according to a survey from the New York Fed.
Thursday broker round-up
Bovis Homes: Shore Capital Markets upgrades to hold with a target price of 967p.
Asia report: Markets rise on early Brexit deal hopes
Most markets in Asia finished in the green on Thursday, amid apparent optimism overnight that Theresa May’s Brexit deal might actually make it through the bowels of Westminster Palace to 29 March next year.
US pre-open: Stocks to rise ahead of data slew; Walmart Q3 earnings impress
US stocks looked poised for gains at the open on Thursday following losses in the previous session, as the dollar surged against the pound, with investors still eyeing trade relations between the US and China.
Europe midday: Stocks dip amid post-Brexit deal political convulsions
Stocks across the Continent are trading slightly lower as investors digest the ongoing political convulsions in London, even as they keep a wary eye on the Italian government's antics with Brussels over its 2019 budget.