Currencies
FX round-up: Dollar softness in focus as traders eye US rate-rise prospects
Sterling turned in a ho-hum performance on key crosses Thursday, with dollar weakness the focus of traders pondering the outlook for near-term US rates rises and tending to gold safety amid lower global equities markets.
London close: FTSE falls on dollar dip, ex-divs and tendency to gold safety
London equities limped to a lower close Thursday, pulled down by a trinity of factors including dollar weakness, a tendency to safe-haven gold and ex-dividend stocks.
Commodities: Gold higher as investors ponder longevity of equities run-up
Gold is trading higher on Thursday, with both classes of crude oil also up, as investors like the safe-haven yellow metal amid nascent jitters on how long the global equities run-up can last.
US central bank nearly where it wants to be, Fed's Fischer says
A top US central bank official voiced confidence on the economic outlook and the expected path for future interest rate hikes, but shied away from providing precise guidance.
Philly Fed index surges to 43.3 in February
Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region unexpectedly improved in February, according to the latest report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
US housing starts drop 2.6% in January
US housing starts fell 2. 6% in January, according to figures released by the Commerce Department.
ECB aiming to be 'steady hand' in uncertain global economic climate
The European Central Bank is aiming to be a "steady hand" during a period of global uncertainty, according to the minutes of the ECB’s meeting in January, when it stood pat on interest rates.
US businesses to close as 'Day Without Immigrants' boycott launched
Businesses in several cities throughout the US will close on Thursday as immigrants across the country unite for their "Day Without Immigrants" boycott.
US initial jobless claims rise less than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose less than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
Deutsche sees near-term consolidation in European equities, stays UW cyclicals
Deutsche Bank expects European equity markets to consolidate in the near term, before the normalisation in macro momentum and a more balanced sentiment picture offer a better entry point later in the first half.
French unemployment dips at the start of 2017
The French jobs market improved in the fourth quarter amid a large decline in youth unemployment.
Trump steps back from commitment to two-state solution in Middle East
President Donald Trump abandoned America´s commitment to searching for a two-state solution to decades of fighting between israelis and palestinians.
Europe open: Stocks start day off on a mixed note
European stocks began the day on a mixed note despite a seventh straight session of gains overnight on Wall Street.