Commodities
FX round-up: Sterling nonchalant after UK Q1 growth disappoints
Sterling made steady gains on most key cross on Friday, appearing nonchalant in its reaction to disappointing UK economic growth data out mid-morning.
London close: FTSE lower as UK, US growth in Q1 disappoints, sterling up
Stocks in London drifted to a lower close on Friday as a rise in sterling weighed on blue chips and both UK and US preliminary economic growth data disappointed investors on both sides of the Atlantic.
Sector movers: Industrial Metals and Mining stocks lead gains
Industrial metals and mining stocks paced gains in the last session of the week on reports of falling copper and zinc stockpiles in Shanghai, amid speculation demand for steel might be set to head higher.
US GDP growth slows more than expected in Q1 2017
Economic activity in the States slowed at the start of the year, weighed down by a slowdown in the pace of inventory accumulation, lower public spending and increased imports.
Commodities: Crude rises on reports of Russia compliance with Opec output limits
Crude-oil futures are higher on Friday as traders liked reports Russia has complied with Opec output limits, and also on hopes the cartel will extend its production cut pledge.
US consumer sentiment picks up less than expected in April
Consumer sentiment in the US picked up less than expected in April, according to figures from the University of Michigan.
Chicago PMI unexpectedly improves in April
Economic activity in the Chicago area unexpectedly improved in April, according to data released on Friday.
US employment costs rise at fastest pace since end of 2007
Employment costs in the US rose in the first quarter at their fastest clip since the end of 2007, led by gains for both private sector wages and benefits.
Bank of America- Merrill Lynch sees FTSE 100 at 7,750 in 12 months
Bank of America-Merrill Lynch thinks demand for commodities and the global cycle will push the FTSE 100 to 7,750 points in 12 months' time.
Europe midday: Stocks rise amid strong fund flows, economic data
European stocks were seeing some buying interest after data showing inflows into euro area stocks were at their strongest since December 2015 and following the release of several stronger than expected reports on the Eurozone economy, including on money supply dynamics and consumer prices.
EU leaders prepare Brexit clause for reunified Ireland membership
Northern Ireland could be allowed fast-track access to EU membership in the event of its reunification with the rest of the island, as European leaders prepare to thrash out their negotiating stance for upcoming Brexit talks with the UK government.
Euro jumps as core CPI outstrips economists' forecasts in April
Consumer prices in the euro area beat forecasts by a comfortable margin in April, especially at the 'core' level, as services prices accelerated.
German retail sales edge past forecasts in March
Retail sales in the euro area's largest economy registered a slight increase last month, led by turnover in the home furnishings, household appliances and builders' ware categories.
Trump warns of 'major' North Korea conflict as China weighs in
US President Donald Trump has warned that the country is prepared for a "major conflict" with North Korea as tensions between the two states rise another notch over the latter’s nuclear and missile programs.
French GDP expands as expected in Q1 despite slump in trade
France's economy slowed a tad at the start of the year as household spending took a breather and amid a big drag from foreign trade.