International News
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.
Europe close: Weak US, UK GDP weigh on shareson the continent
European stocks ended the day on a mixed note after weak readings on UK and US GDP dragged many indices into the red at the end of the month.
General Motors truck and SUV sales drive record earnings
Growth at General Motors accelerated past analyst forecasts with a record first-quarter set of earnings.
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.
Google and Facebook confirm scam which cost companies $100m
US tech giants Google and Facebook have admitted they were the victims of a series of multi-million dollar cyber scams carried out between 2013 and 2015.
US open: Weak Q1 GDP weighs on stocks, economists sanguine
Wall Street was set to limp into the weekend following a weak reading on first quarter economic growth, although the Nasdaq Composite was climbing further into record territory on the back of positive results from the biggest of the so-called FANG stocks.
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.
Time spins backwards on decision not to sell business
Time Inc stock reversed recent gains after the board decided not to sell the publishing business as it was being "reinvigorated" under a new strategy.
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.
Asia report: Most markets lower after Trump points threats at Seoul
Markets in Asia were lower on Friday, after a series of threats from Donald Trump aimed at Seoul and the Korean peninsula caught investors off guard.
Uber to introduce sick pay for drivers, but some will have to pay for it
Ride-hailing tech firm Uber Technologies is to introduce a system to provide its drivers with benefits such as sick and injury pay in the UK after years of criticism of the company’s employment practices.
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.
US pre-open: Stocks seen muted ahead of GDP, earnings
US futures pointed to a muted open on Wall Street a day after the Nasdaq closed at a record high ahead of some key earnings from the technology sector and as investors eyed first-quarter GDP figures.
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.
Google reports 28% profit increase boosted by ad sales
A raft of US tech giants reported their first quarter numbers on Thursday, with Google's parent company Alphabet seeing an impressive 28% rise in profits compared with the same period last year.
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.