International News
US Fed cuts interest rates - Analysts react
"We are baffled by the lack of change in the economic forecasts for 2020. [. ] The overriding message here, then, is uncertainty, which has generated forecasts showing that not much will change in either the economy or policy. Probably, this will turn out to be wrong, but it’s just not possible to say with any confidence in which direction, or when. " - Ian Shepherdson, Pantheon Macroeconomics.
Fed cuts by 25 basis points, says outlook still 'uncertain'
America's central bank cut its main policy rate further and now several of its top officials believed that it would need to be lowered again before the year was out.
Europe close: Stocks edge higher ahead of US central bank decision
European stocks ended Wednesday's session a tad higher ahead of the US Federal Reserve's policy announcement, while oil prices continued to retreat from Monday's highs.
Taliban warns teachers and students to shun Afghan elections
The Taliban on Wednesday warned teachers and students to avoid working with electoral staff in the run-up to the nation's Presidential vote or risk being killed.
Smart TVs sharing user data with Netflix and Facebook
Smart TVs are allowing access to sensitive user data by firms including Netflix, Google, and Facebook, revealed two studies.
US open: Stocks head south ahead of Fed decision
US stocks opened lower on Wednesday as investors awaited a rate decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the session.
Trump seeks to 'substantially increase' sanctions on Iran
Donald Trump has asked the US Secretary to the Treasury to increase sanctions against Iran, in the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries.
BIS's Carstens says global recession 'far from sure'
The head of the Bank for International Settlements said a global recession was not yet certain and called for a resolution of trade tensions in order to boost growth.
US housing starts hit 12-year high in August
US housing starts hit a 12-year in August, according to figures released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday.
FedEx slumps after downgrading earnings guidance
FedEx shares slumped in pre-market trade on Wednesday after the US shipping company posted a drop in first-quarter earnings and downgraded its guidance for the year, pointing to weakening global economic conditions and higher costs.
First-quarter profits rise at General Mills despite sales fall
Shares in General Mills eased in pre-market trading after the US food giant missed first-quarter sales estimates.
Netanyahu and election rival in deadlock as race is too close to call
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and his rightwing coalition failed to secure the 61-seat majority they needed in the elections, revealed the first round of exit polls.
Huawei to invest $1.5bn in developer program
Huawei announced on Wednesday plans to invest $1. 5bn on its developer program over the next five years and its intention to offer deeper access to its 5G secrets as part of its latest computing strategy.
US pre-open: Futures point to early losses ahead of Fed decision
US futures had stocks opening slightly lower on Wednesday as investors awaited a rate decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the session.
BoE Governor Carney may be asked to extend term - FT
Mark Carney may be asked to prolong his term at the helm of the Bank of England if Britain's scheduled date for departing the European Union is delayed again.
Asia report: Markets finish mixed ahead of Fed rate decision
Markets finished in a mixed state in Asia on Wednesday, as investors turned their attention across the Pacific to the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision for the month, set to be released later in the global day.
Avation inks four-aircraft deal with Braathens Regional Airways
Commercial passenger aircraft leasing company Avation has signed 10-year leases with Braathens Regional Airways for four new ATR 72-600 aircraft, it announced on Wednesday.
Roche gets breakthrough designation for 'Gazyva' lupus treatment
Roche announced on Wednesday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted ‘Breakthrough Therapy Designation’ (BTD) to ‘Gazyva’ (obinutuzumab) for adults with lupus nephritis.