Commodities
Republicans pull healthcare bill before vote
The White House pulled its proposed bill to reform the US healthcare system at the last moment despite what some had assumed to be widespread Republican support to revamp Obamacare.
FX round-up: Sterling downcast on Friday as US Congress votes on Trump's Healthcare Bill
Sterling turned in a downcast Friday performance as it slipped on most key pairs, with global markets drifting as US President Donald Trump's Healthcare Bill goes to a congressional vote, and ahead of UK formally beginning its EU-exit talks next week.
US durable goods orders jump in February, but details weaker
Orders for goods meant to last more than three years jumped in February on the back of a large increase in those for civilian aircraft.
London close: FTSE drifts lower ahead of pivotal US Congress healthcare vote
Equities in London spent most of the session adrift with a slightly negative bias ahead of the US congressional vote on President Donald Trump's Healthcare Bill, with little in the way of domestic corporate or economic news to provide firm direction.
Marine Le Pen calls for an end to Russia sanctions
French National Front leader Marine Le Pen has urged the international community to lift sanctions placed on Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Cadbury may cut chocolate sizes as Brexit effect bites
Britons could be about to get less bite for their buck as US-owned chocolate maker Cadbury has indicated that its products could be trimmed in size or increased in price post-Brexit.
Commodities: Crude trades sideways as traders look to Opec's Sunday meeting
Crude-oil futures traded essentially sideways ahead of Opec's meeting on Sunday, with traders already nervous about the global glut of the black liquid looking for a further production-cut pledge from the cartel.
Federal Reserve in better position to stop balance sheet reinvestment, Bullard says
The US central bank may now be in a better position to stop reinvesting the proceeds of its assets in acquiring new ones, a top member of the Federal Reserve said.
US business activity expands at slowest pace in six months in March
Business activity in the US expanded at its slowest pace since September 2016 in March, according to data released on Friday.
Under pressure Fillon accuses Hollande of meddling in French election
Francois Fillon, French presidential candidate and former prime minister, has accused President Francois Hollande of unduly interfering in the country’s election.
Malaysia loosens drug stance with removal of mandatory death sentence
Drugs offences in Malaysia will no longer be hit with an automatic death sentence, as the country’s government plans to give more power of discretion to the courts system.
Bank of Russia surprises with rate cut to 9.75%
Russia's central bank took markets by surprise on Friday, announcing it had cut its key policy rate in response to a quicker than expected drop in price pressures, with further cuts possible.
Royal Dutch Shell sells Gabon interests for $1bn
Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell is to sell its onshore interests in Gabon to Assala Energy, a portfolio company of Carlyle Group, for up to $1bn.
ECB's Praet reiterates rates to remain at current lows, criticises anti-establishment parties
The European Central Bank will keep interest rates low well past the end of its bond purchase programme, its top policy thinker reiterated, while criticising anti-establishment parties' claims about the benefits of exiting the euro.
End of BHP's Escondida strike does not impress market much
Striking workers at BHP Billiton's Escondida mine in Chile agreed to end their 43-day industrial action on Thursday, but management are reportedly unhappy and analysts were unimpressed.
Trump faces key healthcare vote as Republicans mull ultimatum
Donald Trump has handed out an ultimatum to his Republican colleagues in Congress ahead of a crucial vote on healthcare reform on Friday - vote it in or the US sticks with Obamacare.
Eurozone business growth near six-year high in March
Markit's flash eurozone composite purchasing managers' index unexpectedly rose in March, to a near six-year high.