International News
Pound snaps higher as Macron backs month of Brexit talks
The pound snapped higher on Thursday afternoon after France's President, Emmanuel Macron, added his weight to proposals from the day before to try and find a solution to the Irish Backstop question over the next month and avoid the UK falling out of the European Union without a withdrawal agreement.
Europe close: Stocks slip after 'hawkish' Fedspeak
Stocks on the Continent slipped into the red near the end of the session after two top US central bank officials signalled that they did not support further interest rate cuts.
Volkswagen denies claims it is interested in Tesla stake
Volkswagen on Thursday denied a media report that the German carmaker was looking to purchase a stake in electric car manufacturer Tesla.
Fed's Harker does not see need for more stimulus right now
At least a second top US central bank official argued in favour of staying put on interest rates on Thursday.
US open: Mixed start to trading as updates roll in from Jackson Hole
Trading began with some mixed results on Thursday as investors digested updates from the Federal Reserve's central banking symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Fed's George not ready to vote in favour of rate cuts
A top US central bank official made the case against further interest rate cuts so long as the American economy was growing at a pace near what rate-setters' forecast, pointing out that the costs associated with unwarranted policy easing.
US jobless claims drop more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped more than expected last week, according to data released by the Department of Labor on Thursday.
ECB sees potential need for fiscal stimulus to buttress growth
Policymakers at the European Central Bank put in motion preparations for further monetary stimulus when they last met, although they believed that if the Eurozone economy deteriorated significantly more then it would be national governments' turn to step in with higher spending, the minutes of their most recent policy meeting revealed.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Japanese manufacturing contracts again
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Thursday, with stocks in Japan marginally higher after the country’s manufacturing activity contracted for the fourth month in a row.
US pre-open: Futures point to losses as investors await news from Jackson Hole
Futures were pointing to losses on Thursday as investors awaited updates from the Federal Reserve's central banking symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
China vows retaliation against any US wrong tariff action
China's Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that it hopes the United States will stop its wrongful tariff actions, warning that Beijing would retaliate for any new levies.
Eurozone business activity picks up in August but still muted
Business activity in the eurozone picked up in August but was still muted as the manufacturing sector remained in contraction territory, according to preliminary figures released on Thursday.