U.S. trade deficit narrows; gap with China widens
The U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in April as imports of goods dropped to a 15-month low, offsetting an aircraft-led decline in exports.
U.S. weekly jobless claims unchanged, point to labor market strength
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week, suggesting the labor market remains on solid footing despite slowing economic activity.
U.S. first-quarter unit labor costs revised down sharply
U.S. unit labor costs were weaker than initially thought in the first quarter and costs declined in the prior period, suggesting inflation could remain moderate for a while.
Exclusive: Deutsche Bahn reviewing consultancy contracts granted to ex-managers
Deutsche Bahn is reviewing consultancy contracts granted to former managers without the knowledge of the state-owned railway operator’s supervisory board, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
Flare-up in trade tensions sours rate-hope rally
German bond yields fell to new lows on Thursday and U.S. treasury yields resumed their fall as renewed trade tensions doused a rally fueled by hopes for more central bank stimulus ahead of a European Central Bank meeting.
Exclusive: India to order taxi aggregators like Uber, Ola to go electric
India plans to order taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola to convert 40% of their fleet of cars to electric by April 2026, according to a source and records of government meetings to discuss new rules for clean mobility.
China rare earth prices soar on their potential role in trade war
Chinese rare earth prices are set to climb further beyond multi-year highs hit following a flurry of state media reports that Beijing could weaponize its supply-dominance of the prized minerals in its trade war with Washington.
Aviva to cut 1,800 jobs globally, overhauls UK business
British insurer Aviva will cut 1,800 jobs globally as its new chief executive seeks to make the group more competitive by restructuring its British business and reducing costs across the business.
French bank Credit Agricole forecasts slower profit growth
Credit Agricole, France’s second-largest listed bank, on Thursday said profit growth would slow over the next four years, adopting a cautious outlook in the face of low interest rates and a potential deterioration in its loan portfolio.
Ford to close Wales engine plant in 2020: union
Ford will close its engine plant in Bridgend, south Wales, by September 2020, a trade union said on Thursday, putting 1,700 jobs at risk in the latest blow to Britain’s car industry.
