ECB raises prospect of March policy easing as outlook sours
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Fading growth and inflation prospects will force the European Central Bank to review its policy stance in March, President Mario Draghi said on Thursday, a strong signal that more easing could be coming within months.
Kinder Morgan surges on prospect of higher dividend, buyback
(Reuters) – Shares of U.S. pipeline company Kinder Morgan Inc shot up on Thursday as investors welcomed the company’s plans to cut debt, reduce spending and potentially increase its dividend or buy back shares.
Facebook launches real-time sports platform
(Reuters) – Facebook is tackling the sports arena with a new platform called Facebook Sports Stadium, which the social media site said will provide real-time updates on games, popular posts from fans, statistics and commentary from experts.
Aetna’s deal for Humana will push up costs for seniors: think tank
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Aetna Inc’s plan to buy smaller insurer Humana Inc for $31 billion will mean seniors will pay higher Medicare Advantage premiums, according to a new report by the think tank Center for American Progress (CAP).
Dunkin’ Brands to expand into South Africa
(Reuters) – Dunkin’ Brands Inc has signed a master franchise agreement with Grand Parade Investments Ltd to open its first Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants in South Africa.
JPMorgan tells investment bankers to take it easy on weekends
(Reuters) – JPMorgan Chase & Co has joined other Wall Street banks in telling its investment bankers to improve their work-life balance by taking weekends off.
Rise in U.S. jobless claims spurs labor market worries
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose to a six-month high last week, suggesting some loss of momentum in the labor market amid a sharp economic slowdown and major stock market selloff.
United Continental CEO to return from leave; results miss
(Reuters) – United Continental Holdings Inc on Thursday said its ailing CEO will return from medical leave by the end of the first quarter or sooner, as it reported fourth-quarter profit below analysts’ expectations.
IBM buys Upstream to build on cloud offerings
(Reuters) – International Business Machines Corp said on Thursday it bought Ustream Inc, an online video streaming service provider, to boost its cloud offerings for businesses.
Avon outlines plans to save $350 million in next three years
(Reuters) – Struggling cosmetics maker Avon Products Inc expects to reduce about $350 million in costs over the next three years, Chief Executive Sheri McCoy said at the company’s investor day on Thursday.
