International News
Europe close: Safe havens wanted as Middle East tensions flare
Investors were seeking out safe havens at the end of the week following a US military strike against the top Iranian commander, a reminder to investors of the plethora of geopolitical risks that were lurking on the horizon in 2020.
Analysts anticipate Iranian response, but don't expect all-out conflict
A US drone strike killed the Iranian military commander in charge of overseas operations, prompting a shift towards safe havens as investors waited for Tehran's response.
Surprise drop in ISM manufacturing PMI for December
US manufacturing sector activity slowed further last month amid weak order growth and soft demand across most sub-sectors, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
US open: Stocks slide as Iran vows to retaliate for Soleimani's death
US stocks registered heavy losses at the open on Friday after the White House confirmed that an airstrike had killed a top Iranian commander, with Tehran vowing to retaliate.
Lidl set to remove cartoon characters from cereals
Lidl is set to remove cartoon characters from the boxes of its own brands of cereals to help parents tackle the growing childhood obesity epidemic in the UK.
Wesco sweetens bid for Anixter
Wesco International has upped its buyout offer for Anixter International, a day after it agreed to be bought by Clayton, Dubilier and Rice for $4. 3bn.
US pre-open: Futures point to losses after US air strike on Iranian general
US futures were pointing to some heavy losses at the open on Friday after the White House confirmed that an airstrike had killed a top Iranian commander.
Oil prices spike after US assassinates Iran military leader
Oil prices spiked to their highest level in four months on Friday after the US assassinated Iranian military commander General Qasem Soleimani.
Asia report: Markets mixed as oil prices surge on Baghdad attack
Markets in Asia finished in a mixed state on Friday, as investors reacted to news that a top Iranian military commander was killed in a US airstrike late in the region’s day.
German unemployment up more than expected in December
The number of people out of work in Germany rose more than expected in December, according to figures released by Destatis on Friday, but the unemployment rate was steady.