Fed’s Fisher: stronger dollar good for U.S. jobs
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Sharp gains in the U.S. dollar are good for the U.S. labor market, a top Federal Reserve official said on Friday, downplaying a crescendo of complaints from top executives over the dent to their profits.
U.S. economy cools in fourth quarter, but consumer spending shines
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. economic growth slowed sharply in the fourth quarter as weak business spending and a wider trade deficit offset the fastest pace of consumer spending since 2006.
Mattel CEO feels ‘sense of urgency’ for new toys as Barbie ages
(Reuters) – Mattel Inc needs to move with a “sense of urgency” to create toys that connect with young customers, its interim CEO said, as dolls based on Disney’s blockbuster film “Frozen” stole the show from its Barbie dolls in the holiday quarter.
American Airlines Group pilots approve contract to raise pay
(Reuters) – American Airlines Group pilots have voted to accept a five-year contract that will raise their wages substantially and cement their relationship with the management, the pilots union said on Friday.
MasterCard profit beats expectations as customers spend more
(Reuters) – MasterCard Inc , the world’s No. 2 debit and credit card company, reported a better-than-expected profit for the holiday shopping quarter as customers dug deeper into their pockets.
McDonald’s franchisees to new CEO: back-to-basics, fast
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – McDonald’s Corp franchisees have an urgent order for the fast-food giant’s new CEO – get back-to-basics. In interviews, franchisees and advisors to restaurant owners say they hope the new chief will shrink its huge menu to concentrate on burgers and fries. 
Russian central bank makes surprise interest rate cut
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s central bank unexpectedly cut its main interest rate on Friday as fears of recession mount in the country following the fall in global oil prices and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.
U.S. consumer sentiment rises to best since 2004
NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. consumer sentiment rose in January to its highest level in 11 years on better job and wage prospects, a survey released on Friday showed.
Xerox cuts profit forecast again as revenue slide continues
(Reuters) – Xerox Corp , which has been shifting its focus to IT services from making printers and copiers, cut its profit forecast for 2015 for the second time after reporting its sixth-consecutive drop in quarterly revenue.
OPEC oil output rises in January as key members stand firm: survey
LONDON (Reuters) – OPEC’s oil supply has risen this month due to more Angolan exports and steady to higher output in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf producers, a Reuters survey showed, a sign key members are standing firm in refusing to prop up prices.
