The Other Side of Life 24/7: Business Today: Futures gain with initial jobless claims data on tap

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Business Today: Futures gain with initial jobless claims data on tap

Click to View in Browser

02/5/2015

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

Futures gain with initial jobless claims data on tap

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures advanced on Thursday, putting equities on track to rebound from a late selloff in the prior session, ahead of data on the labor market and the latest round of earnings reports.

U.S. jobless claims rise less than expected

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment rose less than expected last week, a sign that the labor market continues to strengthen.

U.S. December trade deficit largest since 2012

WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - - The U.S. trade deficit in December widened sharply to its highest level since 2012 as imports rose despite a lower energy bill, which could see the fourth-quarter growth estimate revised down.

Pfizer to buy Hospira for $15 billion to boost biosimilar pipeline

(Reuters) - Drugmaker Pfizer Inc said it would buy Hospira Inc for about $15 billion to gain access to biosimilars, copies of biotech drugs made from living cells.

Sprint's revenue beats estimates as price cuts draw subscribers

(Reuters) - Sprint Corp's quarterly revenue fell less than expected as the U.S. mobile provider attracted more subscribers by cutting prices and offering promotions.

Oil rises back toward $55, outlook still fragile

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil rose toward $55 a barrel on Thursday, recovering from part of the previous session's slide after China took steps to pour liquidity into the world's second-biggest economy, although traders and analysts said oil's outlook looked weak.

Dunkin' Brands sales beat as U.S. consumers spend more

(Reuters) - Dunkin' Brands Group Inc reported better-than-expected quarterly sales, helped by demand for sandwiches and its newly launched dark roast coffee at Dunkin' Donuts outlets in the United States.

Estee Lauder cuts forecast, citing strong dollar

(Reuters) - Estee Lauder Cos Inc said full-year sales would fall more than it had forecast, hurt by a stronger dollar and slowing growth in Hong Kong and China.

BT seals EE deal to dominate British telecoms market

LONDON (Reuters) - BT finalised a deal on Thursday to buy mobile operator EE for 12.5 billion pounds ($19 billion) and now faces a contested approval process to seal its status as Britain's dominant communications company.

Greek banks hit after ECB snub, Athens rejects 'blackmail'

ATHENS/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Greek borrowing costs leapt and bank shares were hit hard on Thursday after the European Central Bank abruptly pulled the plug on its funding for the country's financial sector in what Athens labelled an act of coercion.