Reuters - Business Today

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Thursday, August 24, 2017

U.S. jobless claims rise slightly as labor market tightens

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose less than expected last week, suggesting a further tightening in labor market conditions.

U.S. retailers hit as immigration worries weigh on Hispanic spending

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Many U.S. Hispanics are venturing out only to buy essential goods and are cutting back on discretionary spending, worried about possible harassment by immigration or law enforcement officials since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to community groups, research firms and retailers.

World stocks steady; focus on Jackson Hole keeps market cautious

MILAN (Reuters) - World stocks steadied on Thursday after two turbulent weeks as geopolitical worries eased in Asia and caution prevailed on the day the annual Jackson Hole gathering of central bankers gets underway.

Sears posts second-quarter loss on fewer store visits

(Reuters) - Struggling U.S. retailer Sears Holdings Corp reported a quarterly loss on Thursday as fewer customers visited its stores and as the company offered more discounts amid intense industry competition.

Saudis may seek funding in Chinese yuan

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia is willing to consider funding itself partly in Chinese yuan, a senior Saudi official said on Thursday, raising the possibility of closer financial ties between the two countries.

Wall Street set to open higher ahead of Jackson Hole meeting

(Reuters) - U.S. stocks were set to open higher on Thursday, buoyed by retail companies, although caution prevailed ahead of the start of the annual gathering of central bankers at Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Western Digital group to offer $17.4 billion for Toshiba chip unit: sources

TOKYO (Reuters) - A consortium that includes Western Digital is offering 1.9 trillion yen ($17.4 billion) for Toshiba Corp's memory chip business, which the Japanese conglomerate is trying to sell to cover losses from its U.S. nuclear business, sources said on Thursday.

Lufthansa offers low hundred-mln-euro sum for Air Berlin assets - source

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Lufthansa's proposal for the carve-up of Air Berlin would see it taking over the insolvent carrier's Austria-based leisure airline Niki and other planes, a source familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday.

China Life and Baidu to launch $1 billion internet fund

BEIJING (Reuters) - China Life Insurance Group Co and Baidu Inc will form a 7 billion yuan ($1 billion) private equity fund, targeting internet and other technology investments, China Life's listed arm said on Thursday.

Globalization's castaways haunt central bankers

MASSENA, New York/JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (Reuters) - After a turbulent year of anti-globalization backlash, central bankers still argue open borders and free trade are the key to more jobs, growth and prosperity.