Economic News
Trade deal with China not imminent, US ambassador says
Hopes of an imminent US-China trade deal were quashed at the end of the week by America's ambassador to Beijing. In an interview with the Journal, US ambassador Terry Branstad said that no date had yet been set for a summit between the two country's leaders as neither side felt that an agreement was "imminent".
Norway wealth fund to cut oil and gas investment
Norwegian $1tn wealth fund announced on Friday it would dump its investments in oil and gas exploration firms but will still own stakes in firms such as BP and Shell that have renewable energy divisions.
Norway SWF to dispose of stakes in oil E&P companies
The world's biggest sovereign wealth fund will offload its stakes in oil and gas explorers and producers but will continue invest in energy companies with refineries and other downstream activities.
US payrolls massively undershoot expectations
US job growth almost stalled last month, but the unemployment rate edged lower and wages grew, according to data released by the Labor Department on Friday.
US housing starts surge past expectations in January
US housing starts surged past expectations in January, according to figures released by the Commerce Department.
Chinese exports tumble as trade war takes its toll
Chinese exports suffered their worst decline in three years in February as the trade war with the US took its toll, according to official data released on Friday.
German factory orders slump in January
German factory orders fell in January, according to figures released by Destatis on Friday.