Economic News
US initial jobless claims unexpectedly rise
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, while the monthly average hit its highest level in a year, according to figures from the Labor Department.
US retail sales slide in December, missing forecasts
US retail sales showed a surprise slump in December, the biggest since 2009.
Patisserie Valerie rescued by Irish private equity firm
Patisserie Valerie has been bought out of administration by Dublin-based private equity firm Causeway Capital Partners.
Barclays fixes online banking glitch
Barclays said on Thursday that its customers were experiencing problems logging into mobile, telephone and digital banking in the latest in a series of online bank failures for British high street lenders.
Eurozone economy inches ahead as Germany, Italy falter
The eurozone economy continued to grow in the fourth quarter, official figures out on Thursday showed, albeit marginally.
Chinese exports see surprise return to growth
Chinese exports unexpectedly rebounded in January, returning to growth and beating analyst forecasts, official statistics showed on Thursday.
Germany narrowly avoids recession
Germany narrowly avoided a recession last year as growth in the fourth quarter was flat, according to preliminary data released by Destatis on Thursday.
US and China resume trade talks ahead of looming deadline
US and Chinese officials will resume trade talks on Thursday all through Friday as the 1 March deadline to reach an agreement moves closer.
Home repossessions reach near 30-year low
House repossessions have fallen to their lowest level for nearly 30 years, data showed on Thursday, as homeowners benefitted from low interest rates.