International News
US jobless claims hit 6.6m as Covid-19 takes its toll
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week was much higher than expected as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll, according to figures released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
Europe close: Stocks rise despite doubts around date of lockdown roll-back
Stocks on the Continent finished higher at the end of the week and near their best levels of the session, as investors mulled progress in containing the Covid-19 pandemic and in some cases reassessed the likelihood of a gradual roll-back in social-distancing measures over coming weeks.
Easyjet to defer 24 Airbus jet deliveries over next three years
Easyjet has clinched a deal with jet manufacturer Airbus to defer the delivery of 24 new aircraft over the next roughly three years to boost its short-term liquidity and to ready the business for when the European airspace starts to reopen.
Saudi and Russian Federation agree on oil output cuts, Journal says
Moscow and Riyadh have reached an agreement in principle to cut their crude oil output.
Federal Reserve to purchase higher-rated junk bonds through new facility
America's central bank stepped up to the plate yet again with plans to provide as much as $2. 3trn in financing for the private sector, especially for small and medium-sized companies, alongside local and state governments.
US consumer confidence sees largest one-month drop ever in April
US consumer confidence registered its largest monthly drop ever in April, although a key gauge of Americans' expectations for the future help up relatively well all things considered.
SocGen's Albert Edwards says real 'bear market' has yet to start
Economic authorities are likely very right in their move towards massive relief measures to limit the hit to economic activity from the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the market's best known bears predicted.
Italy's Conte warns Covid-19 debt row could split EU
Italian Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte warned the European Union could fracture over tensions on how to deal with the coronavirus crisis as he said the current lockdown could be eased by the end of the month.
Living standards to fall in worst slump since Great Depression - IMF chief
Living standards will fall in more than 170 countries in 2020 as the Covid-19 crisis causes the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the head of the International Monetary Fund warned.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Bank of Korea stands pat on rates
Markets in Asia were mixed on Thursday, with Australian equities rocketing more than 3% as South Korea’s central bank stood pat on interest rates as anticipated.
US pre-open: Futures mixed ahead of jobless data
US futures had stocks opening mixed on Thursday ahead of this week's jobless claims data and the Easter long weekend.
Number of Italian Covid-19 infections rises a bit more quickly on Wednesday
The total number of Italians confirmed as still having Covid-19 increased a bit more quickly on Wednesday than on the day before.
Airlines call for amendment of carbon deal due to coronavirus crisis
Airlines are lobbying to amend the recently agreed carbon scheme designed to bring down the aviation sector's emissions as the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis makes it harder for carriers to meet their agreed targets.
Covid shock could spark global Depression-era slump: WTO
Global trade could plummet by up to 32%, a level similar to the Great Depression of the 1930s, in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Trade Organisation said.
Tesla to cut pay after production suspended
Tesla announced on Tuesday that it will cut all salaried employees’ pay and furlough hourly workers after the coronavirus pandemic forced the manufacturer to shut production down.
Trump lashes out at WHO and threatens to withdraw funding
US President Donald Trump lashed out at the World Health Organization late on Tuesday over it’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and threatened to withhold US funding.
Twitter CEO donates 28% of personal fortune to coronavirus fight
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is donating 1$bn, which equates to 28% of his personal fortune, to fund the global Covid-19 relief.
US pre-open: Futures point to small gains as volatile week continues
US futures were pointing to small gains on Wednesday as a volatile week for stocks looked set to continue.
Asia report: Markets mixed as investors digest latest pandemic developments
Markets in Asia finished in a mixed state on Wednesday, as investors tried to make sense of another day of fresh measures from governments amid the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
TUI signs deal for €1.8bn German state loan
TUI has signed a deal to receive a €1. 8bn (£1. 6bn) bridging loan from the German government to support the company during the Covid-19 crisis.