International News
US oil product stockpiles jump last week, DoE says
US crude oil inventories fell by less than analysts had expected last week, helped by a big rise in net imports, even as product stockpiles jumped, a "clear" sign of receding demand, analysts said.
Fed's Rosengren argues for pause, suspects financial markets 'unduly pessimistic'
One of the US central bank's heretofore more 'hawkish' policymakers argued the case for patience before deciding on the next move in monetary policy, even broaching the possibility that no further tightening might be needed.
Europe close: Shares on the Continent extend gains
European shares extended their relief rally following reports of progress overnight in US-China trade talks, market chatter around possible new fiscal stimulus in China and 'dovish' remarks out of at least three top US central bank officials.
Germany and France to sign extension of reconciliation treaty to strengthen EU
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to sign an extension of their 55-year-old reconciliation treaty on 22 January to try and strengthen the EU against forces trying to tear it apart.
US open: Stocks edge higher amidst optimism surrounding trade talks
US stocks edged higher at the open on Wednesday as investors took news that talks between US and Chinese officials had carried on another day as a sign that both parties were close to an agreement on trade.
Trump and top Democrats trade blows over US government shutdown
US President Donald Trump used his first televised address to the American people to blame Democrats for the continuing government shutdown, now the second longest in history.
Fed's Bostic sees 'mixed signals', mentions possible cut in rates
The head of the Federal Reserve bank of Atlanta sounded a confident note on the economy, albeit one tinged with caution.
Fed toying with recession, rate cut could happen, Bullard says
One of the US central bank's most 'dovish' rate-setters argued against further monetary policy tightening, warning that it was toying with possibly pushing the economy into recession.
Fed's Evans calls for pause, but sees three more interest rate hikes
A top US central bank official sounded a relative 'hawkish' stance on Wednesday when compared with recent more 'dovish' remarks from several of his peers, even as he appeared to call time on the Federal Reserve's rate hiking campaign.
Asia report: Markets rise on back of US-China talks
Markets in Asia finished in positive territory on Wednesday, with sentiment remaining higher as trade talks between Washington and Beijing came to a close in the Chinese capital.
Apple to cut iPhone production by 10% this quarter
Apple is reportedly set to trim production of its new iPhones by 10% over the March quarter, the Nikkei Asian Review said on Wednesday.
World Bank warns of global economic slowdown risks in 2019
The World Bank revealed on Wednesday that the global economy is expected to slow to 2. 9% in 2019 compared with 3% in 2018 as advanced economy central banks continue withdrawing policy accommodation even as trade disputes risk escalation.
US-China trade talks went 'just fine', statement expected soon
The US and China successfully wrapped-up their first round of trade talks on Wednesday.
Eurozone unemployment rate falls to decade low in November
The eurozone unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in 10 years in November, according to figures released by Eurostat on Wednesday.