International News
Europe close: Stocks hit three-week low after FOMC meeting
European stocks dropped to a three-week low on Thursday as hawkish comments from the Federal Reserve encouraged investors to take profits with global markets trading at or close to record highs.
US existing home sales rise past forecasts in November
Second-hand home sales in the States jumped last month.
US open: Stocks higher following yesterday's Fed-fuelled sell-off
Major indices were in the green early on Thursday as major indices looked set to shrug off comments from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell that led to a major sell-off in the previous session.
Soho House receives takeover offer from unnamed consortium
Shares in New York-listed Soho House & Co soared on Thursday after the private members club revealed that it had received a takeover offer valuing the company at around $1. 8bn.
Philly Fed index surprises to the downside in December
Activity in the US mid-Atlantic region weakened at the end of 2024, the results of a closely followed survey showed.
US initial jobless claims fall by 22,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at a decelerated pace in the week ended 14 December, according to the Labor Department.
US pre-open: Futures higher following yesterday's heavy losses
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Thursday after comments from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell led to a major sell-off in the previous session.
Navantia strikes deal to buy Titanic shipbuilder Harland & Wolff
Historic shipyard owner Harland & Wolff is to be acquired out of administration by Spain’s Navantia, it was confirmed on Thursday, saving 1,000 jobs.
Norges Bank leaves rates on hold at 4.50%, signals March rate cut
Norway's central bank kept interest rates on hold on Thursday at a 16-year high of 4. 50%, as widely expected.
Asia report: Markets fall as BoJ holds rates, Fed cuts
Asia-Pacific markets retreated on Thursday as investors digested the US Federal Reserve’s cautious outlook after its latest rate cut, and a decision by the Bank of Japan to maintain its policy rate.
Swedish central bank cuts interest rates for fifth time this year
Sweden's central bank reduced interest rates to their lowest level in almost two years on Thursday and signalled that another cut could be on the cards early next year.
Bank of Japan holds rates steady; Yen falls
The Bank of Japan held interest rates unchanged at 0. 25%, in line with expectations, sending the yen to a one-month low.
German consumer confidence improves but remains low
Consumer confidence in Germany increased more than expected as income expectations and willingness to buy both improved.