Business Today: S&P 500 index futures briefly turn negative

		Click to View in Browser 02/28/2013 S&P 500 index futures briefly turn negative NEW YORK (Reuters) - The S&P 500 index futures briefly turned negative on Thursday following mixed data reports that showed that the U.S. economy barely grew in the fourth quarter, though the latest weekly jobless claims data pointed to an improving labor market. Economy expands at weakest pace since 2011 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. economy barely grew in the fourth quarter although a slightly better performance in exports and fewer imports led the government to scratch an earlier estimate that showed an economic contraction. Jobless claims hint at improving labor market WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, suggesting some traction in the labor market recovery. Analysis: Cuts unlikely to deliver promised budget savings WASHINGTON (Reuters) - On paper, there's one thing to like about the ugly spending cuts due to kick in on Friday: $85 billion in budget savings at a time when Washington continues to bleed red ink. Spain's Bankia shows recovery signs after record loss MADRID (Reuters) - Rescued Spanish lender Bankia reported tentative signs of recovery on Thursday, even as huge writedowns on bad property assets led it to post the country's biggest ever corporate loss of 19.2 billion euros ($25.2 billion). RBS moves closer to UK government stake sale LONDON (Reuters) - Royal Bank of Scotland has reported its strongest underlying profit since the financial crisis, potentially paving the way for Britain to sell its 82 percent stake if some big hurdles are overcome. EU clinches deal to cap bankers' bonuses BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Bankers in Europe face a cap on bonuses as early as next year, following agreement in Brussels on Thursday to introduce what would be the world's strictest pay curbs, in a move politicians hope will address public anger at financial-sector greed. China nears approval of $16 billion domestic jet-engine plan: Xinhua SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's cabinet may soon approve an aircraft engine development program that will require investment of at least 100 billion yuan ($16 billion), state-run Xinhua news agency quoted unidentified industry sources as saying. BAT benefits as emerging market smokers try top brands LONDON (Reuters) - Growing demand for premium brand cigarettes in developing countries is helping British American Tobacco to cope with falling sales in Western markets, higher taxes and a rise in black market trading. Opel revamp deal expected this week: German union HAMBURG/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German union IG Metall expects to strike a deal this week with General Motors Co's Opel unit over the restructuring of the carmaker's German operations. Related Video U.S. Morning Call: Biggest Losers: JCPenney & Groupon Market Pulse: What's Moving Today and Why Economic News Economy expands at weakest pace since 2011 Jobless claims hint at improving labor market A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend