International News
Nigerian Oil producers defy OPEC and are eager to pump more
Independent Nigerian drillers want to supply more crude, in defiance of OPEC and Russia's pact to restrict output and boost prices.
India's PNB hit by $1.8bn worth of fraudulent operations
India’s Punjab National Bank (PNB) has uncovered a $1. 8bn fraud that benefited a small group of customers and could affect other banks.
Europe close: Stocks finish off one-week highs
European stocks ended the session higher despite another stronger than expected reading on US inflation, in the former of the latest producer price data.
US open: Wall Street wobbles as more inflation data digested
US stocks opened higher on Thursday but were unsteady on their feed, meaning a fifth day of gains was not assured as investors eyed higher-than-expected inflation print from a day earlier and mixed jobs and producer prices data.
US homebuilder sentiment remains strong in February - NAHB
Sentiment among US homebuilders remained strong in February, according to data released on Thursday.
South African assets lifted as Ramaphosa replaces Zuma
Cyril Ramaphosa was voted in as President of South Africa, senior members of the African National Congress party confirmed on Thursday, lifting the rand and companies exposed to the currency.
US final demand PPI "solid" in January, economists say
Factory gate prices in the US rose more quickly than expected last month, driven by steep gains in energy costs, but economists said the underlying details were "solid" too.
Jobless claims rise as expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose as expected last week, according to data released by the Labor Department.
Italy's election offers many risks but 'little chance of Italexit'
Italy's election early next month is unlikely to result in an 'Italexit' from the European Union, said Berenberg on Thursday, but is likely to see former leader Silvio Berlusconi emerge as a kingmaker and could still result in the country holding referendum on its membership of the euro and reverse recent labour reforms.
Philly Fed index jumps to 25.8 in February
Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region unexpectedly improved in February, with firms optimistic about the prospects for the next six months, according to a survey out on Thursday.
US pre-open: Stocks set for fifth day of gains as investors shake off inflation worries
US futures pointed to a fifth day of gains on Wall Street on Thursday as investors shrugged off the higher-than-expected inflation print for January, with Cisco likely to lend support after well-received earnings.
Lidl keeps up pace with store openings to overtake upmarket rivals
Lidl is set to open 19 new stores in the first two months of 2018, creating 700 new jobs across the country, as the German-owned discounter looks to overtake Waitrose as the UK's seventh largest grocer.
Asia report: Markets mostly higher, China off for Lunar New Year
Markets in Asia finished mostly higher on Thursday, taking their lead from the positive overnight session on Wall Street as the dollar slid further.
US close: Markets finish Wednesday well into the green
Markets recorded another positive session on Wall Street on Wednesday, although there was some volatility after the release of the latest inflation figures.