Market Pulse - Usa
Asia close: Vietnam paces gains in bumper year for region
Asian stocks finished a stellar year on Friday, that saw them eclipse gains in the States and on the Continent, on a mixed note.
Factory activity picks-up further in December, Chicago PMI says
Factory activity in the US Mid-West quickened again at the end of the year, according to the results of one of the most widely-followed surveys for the sector.
US foreign trade deficit widens in November
America's shortfall on its foreign trade in goods widened last month, as import growth continued to outpace that in the country's exports.
US close: Slight gains for stocks in subdued trading ahead of year-end
US stocks edged higher on Wednesday as investors digested the latest data on home sales and consumer confidence, with volumes light as many traders were still away from their desks for the holidays.
Bitcoin drops 17% as Seoul closes in on cryptocurrency crackdown
A warning from Seoul that it was studying potential measures, including shutting down some cryptocurrency exchanges, to stamp out excessive and potentially costly speculation, put paid to a four-day rebound in Bitcoin from its worst week since 2013.
US consumer confidence falls from 17-year high in December
Consumer confidence in the US slumped at the end of 2017, albeit after reaching a 17-year high in November, according to one of the most widely-tracked gauges of sentiment.
US pending home sales edge higher in November
Pending home sales in the States edged higher last month, according to one of the sector's leading industry groups, but existing home sales were seen flatlining in 2018 due to sharp price growth and the impact of recently approved changes to the country's tax laws.
Citi projects modest weakness in the US dollar in 2018
Foreign exchange strategists at Citi retained a 'bearish' view on the Greenback in 2018, predicting it would weaken by roughly 5% against other G10 currencies over the next six to 12 months and on average by between 1% and 2% against those from Emerging Markets.
Washington to cut $285m from UN budget after Jerusalem vote
The US government has announced it will slash its United Nations budget obligations for 2018 and 2019 in response to a UN vote over the city of Jerusalem.
Shell expects to gain from Trump's US tax changes
Royal Dutch Shell said it expects changes to US tax law to benefit the company and its US operations.
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.
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.
Trading of Bitcoin Cash temporarily suspended pending an investigation
On Tuesday, Coinbase allowed its users to buy, sell, send and receive Bitcoin Cash but suspended trades following allegations on social media that illegal transactions were being conducted.
US open: Stocks flat ahead of second US tax cut vote
Wall Street is trading roughly flat even as investors wait on a second vote in the US House of Representatives on the Republicans' tax cut plans, which is expected to hand President Trump the first major legislative victory of his administration.
Rapid drop in weekly US oil inventories
US crude oil inventories shrank rapidly during the latest reference week, despite a large increase in imports.
US existing home sales jump past forecasts in November
Existing home sales in the States jumped past forecasts last month, rising by the most in nearly 11 years amid strong gains in all regions outside of the West.
Litecoin founder sells all his holdings
Charlie Lee the software engineer, founder of Litecoin has said in a reddit post that he has sold and donated all of his coins during following a 75-fold rally this year.
Senate approves landmark US tax reform bill (almost)
The US Senate has passed Trump’s tax reform bill entailing the most drastic changes in US taxation since the 1980s, including a permanent tax cut for corporations but temporary tax relief for individuals.
US close: Markets finish lower as tech stocks decline
Wall Street's main market gauges finished lower on Tuesday, led lower by the technology sector as investor confidence on the Republicans' ability to pass tax cut plans this week stagnated.