International News
Fed's Clarida sounds upbeat note on economic outlook
The US central bank's second-highest ranking official sounded an upbeat note on the outlook for the US economy on Thursday while signaling that the stance of monetary policy remained "appropriate".
US GDP growth could exceed 2.5%, Chicago Fed's Evans says
The head of the US central bank of Chicago sounded a confident note on the prospects for the US economy.
Europe close: Stocks extend gains, biotech to the fore
Stocks across the Continent edged higher on Thursday, save for the Dax, which ran up to a record high thanks to better-than-expected industrial production data out of the euro area's largest economy and after news that the US and China were set to sign their trade deal on 15 January.
US open: Dow eyes record high as Middle East tensions fade
US stocks opened higher on Thursday as the US seemingly took steps to avoid further conflict in the Middle East, helping the Dow in its chase to record yet another all-time high.
Microsoft to share tool to scan chats and detect child sex predators
Microsoft is set to share a tool used on its Xbox gaming service that is able to scan online chats and seek out adults that want to groom and exploit minors for sexual purposes.
Facebook will continue to allow targeted political ads
Facebook said it will continue to allow targeted political ads during the 2020 US presidential campaign and won’t prevent politicians from lying in ads they buy on the platform but will grant users more control over some of those that they are served when visiting its platform.
US jobless claims fall back to trend during latest week
The number of people claiming unemployment claims for the first time fell by more than expected during the last week, returning to the underlying trend that was in place before a Christmas induced jump due to the difficulty of adjusting for seasonal quirks in the data, economists said.
Carlos Ghosn detained and questioned by Lebanese authorities
Former Nissan chairman and chief executive Carlos Ghosn has been detained and questioned by investigators in Lebanon after fleeing prosecution in Japan.
Whirlpool should refund 500,000 buyers of faulty appliances - Which?
Which? consumer group called for the appliances manufacturer Whirlpool to offer owners of 500,000 faulty washing machines a refund or offer a repair or replacement.
US pre-open: Futures point to positive open as Middle East tensions die down
US futures were pointing to a positive open on Thursday as the US and Iran both seemingly took steps to avoid further conflict in the Middle East.
Asia report: Most markets rise as Middle East tensions ease
Most markets in Asia finished higher on Thursday, as investors reacted to an apparent de-escalation in geopolitical tension in the Middle East, following an address from US president Donald Trump.
German industrial production beats expectations in November
German industrial production rose more than expected in November, according to figures released by Destatis on Thursday.