International News
US close: Stocks end slightly higher after data slew; banks and energy shares gain
US stocks ended Thursday’s session a little higher as investors digested the latest readings on growth, jobs and manufacturing, although volumes were thinner than usual as we head towards the Christmas break.
First exit poll shows slight lead for Catalan pro-independence parties
The three main pro-Catalan independence parties will most likely retain a very slight simple majority in the regional parliament, according to an exit poll conducted by Gad 3 for local daily La Vanguardia.
Europe close: Stocks brush-off uncertainty around Catalan elections
European stocks finished higher as voting began in regional elections in the Spanish region of Catalonia with investors also reacting to fresh gains on Wall Street after the passing of tax reforms in America.
Trump to personally benefit from tax bill, analysis suggests
President Trump and a few others of his inner circle could save up millions of dollars from the new tax reform bill, according to a new analysis.
Birmingham to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has announced that Birmingham will be the host city of the next games in 2022.
Belfast jobs fears grow as US hits Bombardier with 300pc import duty
America has slapped a 300% tariff on some of Bombardier's imports as part of the Canadian company's long-running competition dispute with Boeing, putting hundreds of manufacturing jobs in Belfast on the line.
Supreme looks to hire CFO after Carlyle Group investment
Three months after founder James Jebbia offloaded 50% of his New York skate shop and clothing brand Supreme to DC-based investment firm The Carlyle Group, the private equity group was already beginning to take steps to expand the business, starting with the hiring of a chief financial officer.
Chipotle shares drop on reports of Los Angeles county investigation into potential outbreak
Shares in US fast food restaurant Chipotle Mexican Grill fell on Wednesday when reports surfaced that a number of customers had reported symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea on iwaspoisoned. com after eating at one of its Los Angeles locations.
US open: Stocks edge higher as investors digest data slew
US stocks edged tentatively higher in early trade on Thursday as investors digested the latest readings on growth, jobs and manufacturing, although volumes were thinner than usual as we head towards the Christmas break.
US Q3 GDP revised down to 3.2% from 3.3%
Third quarter economic growth in the US was revised down a touch amid weaker consumer spending, according to data released on Thursday.
Philly Fed index unexpectedly jumps higher in December
Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region unexpectedly improved in December, according to a survey released on Thursday.
US initial jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits grew more than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
Apple admits to slowing down older iPhones to help creaking batteries
Apple has explained that older iPhones slow down as its algorithms throttle performance so that ageing batteries are able to keep up with power requirements.
US pre-open: Stocks to edge up ahead of jobless claims, GDP
US futures pointed to a slightly firmer open on Wall Street on Thursday as investors eyed data on jobs and economic growth, although volumes were expected to be light as we approach the Christmas break.