The Other Side of Life 24/7: Business Today: Euro yields at record lows as economy falters; stocks up

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Business Today: Euro yields at record lows as economy falters; stocks up

Click to View in Browser

08/14/2014

Reuters Election 2012 Daily round-up of the day's top news from the campaign trail, the White House and all the politics in between

Euro yields at record lows as economy falters; stocks up

LONDON (Reuters) - Bond yields dropped to record lows across the euro zone on Thursday and the euro hovered near its weakest in nine months after Germany reported its economy shrank in the second quarter, fuelling expectations of more central bank stimulus.

U.S. jobless claims up, but trend still points to firming jobs market

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week, but will probably do little to change views that the labor market was strengthening.

U.S. imported inflation subdued as petroleum, auto prices fall

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. import prices fell in July as a decline in the cost of petroleum products offset a rebound in food prices, keeping a lid on imported inflation pressures.

Wal-Mart cuts forecast as it spends more on healthcare, online

(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc cut its full-year profit forecast, citing higher employee healthcare costs and increased investment in its online business.

Stock futures tick up ahead of jobless claims data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Thursday, with investors reluctant to make big bets following a sharp rally in the previous session and amid signs of weak conditions in Europe.

Stated income loans make comeback as mortgage lenders seek clients

(Reuters) - Mortgage applicants who can't provide tax returns or pay stubs to show their income are getting stated income loans again as companies such as Unity West Lending and Westport Mortgage chase customers they can no longer afford to ignore.

Euro zone economy grinds to halt even before Russia sanctions bite

BERLIN/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Euro zone economic growth ground to a halt in the second quarter as Germany's economy shrank and France's stagnated.

Qualcomm denies direct financial links with Chinese antitrust expert

BEIJING (Reuters) - Qualcomm Inc, under investigation for possible monopolistic practices in China, said it had no direct financial links with an antitrust expert sacked from a government advisory post after state media reported he had received payments from the firm.

Denver event aims to close gap in Walmart's 'Made in USA' push

(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc, which has pledged to buy an additional $250 billion in U.S.-made goods over the next decade, is hitting a snag as it tries to meet that promise: Some vendors keen to participate in the initiative complain that after decades of offshoring it has become impossible to domestically source even commonplace components for their products.

M&S patches up 'consumer love affair' for merrier Christmas

LONDON (Reuters) - British retailer Marks & Spencer is close to having both its food and general merchandise divisions "firing on all cylinders" and expects a better Christmas after poor clothing sales hit last holiday season, according to its food business head.