International News
'We are significantly closer to neutral', Fed's Powell says
The US central bank cut rates as expected but policymakers indicated that they were now anticipating fewer reductions in 2025.
Europe close: Stocks edge up ahead of Fed rate decision
European shares were a tad higher on Wednesday as investors awaited the outcome of the Federal Reserve policy meeting and assessed news of a potential tie-up between two of Japan’s best known auto makers Honda and Nissan.
Merck in global license agreement with Hansoh Pharma for weight-loss drug
Merck said on Wednesday that it has signed an exclusive global licensee agreement with Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Hansoh Pharma for weight-loss drug HS-10535.
US open: Stocks higher ahead of FOMC decision
Major indices were in the green early on Wednesday as market participants awaited the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision later in the session.
US building permits grow 6.2pc, housing starts unexpectedly decline
US building permits surged 6. 1% in November to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1. 50m, according to the Census Bureau, erasing October's 0. 4% decline and well and truly ahead of expectations for a print of 1. 43m.
General Mills cuts guidance, shares fall
Shares in General Mills came under pressure on Wednesday, after the US food giant beat earnings expectations but cut its full-year outlook.
US pre-open: Futures higher ahead of FOMC decision
Wall Street futures were in the green on Wednesday as market participants awaited the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision later in the session.
Honda and Nissan exploring mega merger amid EV uncertainty - report
Japanese car giants Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co are exploring a potential merger, it was widely reported on Wednesday.
UniCredit ups stake in Commerzbank again as takeover speculation builds
Italian banking group UniCredit has upped its stake in German peer Commerzbank to 28% and is seeking a further investment that will take its holding to just below the threshold that requires a mandatory takeover offer.
Amazon reportedly settles with UK drivers over self-employment dispute
Amazon has reached a settlement with thousands of UK delivery drivers, it emerged on Wednesday, who claimed the company deprived them of fair compensation by misclassifying them as self-employed.
Eurozone Nov CPI revised down to 2.2%
Eurozone inflation was revised downward slightly to 2. 2% in November from 2. 3%, according to final figures published on Wednesday.
Volkswagen buys stake in Canadian lithium supplier Patriot
Volkswagen Group has purchased a 9. 9% stake in Canadian lithium exploration company Patriot Battery Metals, which it says is a "significant milestone" in the manufacturer's journey to becoming fully electric.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Japan's export growth beats forecasts
Markets in the Asia-Pacific region showed a mixed performance on Wednesday as investors reacted to Wall Street’s losses and scrutinized key economic data from Japan.