Wall Street opens higher, U.S.-China trade talks in focus
U.S. stocks opened higher on Thursday, helped by gains in technology and consumer discretionary companies, while investors awaited more details on the progress in U.S.-China trade talks.
U.S. fourth-quarter growth cut; corporate profits fall
The U.S. economy slowed more than initially thought in the fourth quarter, keeping growth in 2018 below the Trump administration’s 3 percent annual target, and corporate profits fell by the most in a year.
Second ex Barclays banker convicted in London Euribor re-trial
A second former Barclays banker has been convicted of conspiring to manipulate global Euribor interest rates, taking to nine the number of people found guilty in six rate-rigging trials.
Swedish minister ‘outraged’ over Swedbank handling of money laundering allegations
Sweden’s financial markets minister on Thursday expressed outrage over how Swedbank had handled money laundering allegations against it, saying separately it could put confidence in the financial system at risk.
U.S. fourth-quarter GDP revised down; profits weak
– The U.S. economy slowed more than initially thought in the fourth quarter, keeping growth in 2018 below the Trump administration’s 3 percent annual target, and corporate profits failed to rise for the first time in more than two years.
Sony to close smartphone plant in China to cut costs
Sony Corp is closing its Beijing smartphone plant, a spokesman said on Thursday, as the Japanese electronics giant cuts costs in an attempt to make the money-losing handset business profitable from next year.
Swedbank says has been truthful over money laundering probes
Swedbank believes it has been honest with authorities looking into allegations that accounts at the bank may have been used for money laundering, its chairman said on Thursday.
Bayer shares sag after U.S. jury verdict in Roundup cancer trial
Bayer AG shares sank to their lowest in almost seven years on Thursday after a U.S. jury awarded $80 million to a man who claimed use of the group’s weed killer Roundup caused his cancer, with thousands of similar lawsuits looming.
Goldman Sachs fined $45 million by UK watchdog for reporting failures
Britain’s markets watchdog said on Thursday it had fined Goldman Sachs International a record 34.3 million pounds ($45 million) for failing to provide accurate reporting of transactions over a decade.
WWE’s next battle royale: Investor fans vs. shorts
A brawl between World Wrestling Entertainment Inc’s bears and bulls could reach a peak this year as the company renegotiates overseas contracts.




