New claims for US unemployment benefits held below 300,000 for a sixth straight week last week, suggesting the labour market was shrugging off jitters over a slowing global economy. Weakening growth in China and the euro zone, however, appears to be impac

Eurozone businesses performed much better than forecasters expected this month and China's vast factory sector grew a shade faster, but US manufacturing activity sputtered to its slowest since July, underscoring the uneven nature of the post-crisis global

Russian authorities seem to have scented blood as they show no sign of halting a clampdown on US chain McDonald's, launched after the West slapped sanctions on Moscow over its meddling in Ukraine. Ten outlets of the symbolic American eatery are now closed

New Zealand's annual inflation rate fell to 1.0 percent in the 12 months to September, official data showed Thursday, dampening expectations of interest rate hikes for the rest of 2014. Statistics New Zealand said the cost of living rose just 0.3 percent

US industrial giant Caterpillar reported Thursday sharply improved earnings for the third quarter despite slower global economic growth. Caterpillar, maker of a wide range of construction, machinery and mining equipment, said third-quarter net profit rose

US industrial giant Caterpillar reported Thursday sharply improved earnings for the third quarter despite slower global economic growth. Caterpillar, maker of a wide range of construction, machinery and mining equipment, said third-quarter net profit rose

German auto giant Daimler, which makes Mercedes-Benz vehicles, said Thursday that profits rose strongly in the third quarter, driven by record sales and one-off gains from divestments. Daimler said in a statement that its net profit rose by 49 percent to

German auto giant Daimler, which makes Mercedes-Benz vehicles, said Thursday that profits rose strongly in the third quarter, driven by record sales and one-off gains from divestments. Daimler said in a statement that its net profit rose by 49 percent to

Orange posted third-quarter results that were slightly higher than forecast as France's largest telecom company cut costs more rapidly than expected and customers signed up for faster 4G mobile services. France's No 1 mobile firm believes the sector still

Orange posted third-quarter results that were slightly higher than forecast as France's largest telecom company cut costs more rapidly than expected and customers signed up for faster 4G mobile services. France's No 1 mobile firm believes the sector still

Credit Suisse is to make more cuts at its investment bank, which helped the Swiss group to produce stronger-than-expected earnings in the third quarter. The bank has already scaled back its investment banking division, mainly in fixed income, to try to ba

Credit Suisse is to make more cuts at its investment bank, which helped the Swiss group to produce stronger-than-expected earnings in the third quarter. The bank has already scaled back its investment banking division, mainly in fixed income, to try to ba

No 1 US railroad Union Pacific Corp said on Thursday that rising freight volumes and strong pricing power helped drive a higher-than-expected third-quarter profit and said it expected a solid fourth quarter. "We are optimistic about the remainder of the y

No 1 US railroad Union Pacific Corp said on Thursday that rising freight volumes and strong pricing power helped drive a higher-than-expected third-quarter profit and said it expected a solid fourth quarter. "We are optimistic about the remainder of the y

Comcast Corp reported higher quarterly revenue and income on Thursday as more people signed up for its high-speed Internet service and fewer customers dropped their cable subscriptions. Total revenue at the largest US cable operator, which owns NBC Univer

Comcast Corp reported higher quarterly revenue and income on Thursday as more people signed up for its high-speed Internet service and fewer customers dropped their cable subscriptions. Total revenue at the largest US cable operator, which owns NBC Univer

Spain's painfully high unemployment rate eased further last quarter, dipping under 24 percent for the first time since 2011 as economic recovery apparently gained pace, official data showed on Thursday. The rate is still among the highest in the rich worl

Germany's main industry lobby trimmed its 2014 growth forecast for Europe's largest economy on Thursday to between 1.2 and 1.4 percent but said it did not expect the country to slip into a much-feared recession. That compares with the BDI group's Septembe

Zimbabwe's government needs to restore confidence in the country as its economy will only grow by a meagre 3.2 percent next year, the International Monetary Fund said Thursday. "With regard to Zimbabwe, economic conditions remain difficult," IMF director

Most stock markets in the Middle East continued rebounding on Thursday on the back of generally positive third-quarter corporate earnings and resilient European equities. Bourses in the region continued to imitate global markets, falling in line with US a

Indian shares rose in a special "muhurat" trading session for Diwali on Thursday, led by gains in Suzlon Energy Ltd while hopes for continued foreign fund inflows into the country also boosted sentiment. Sentiment for stocks remains supported by hopes for

US stocks soared on Thursday, with major indexes up more than 1.5 percent in a broad rally, as strong results from industrial bellwethers reassured investors that corporations continue to fare well despite concerns about global economic growth. The advanc

US stocks erased earlier gains to close lower on Wednesday as a shooting at the Canadian parliament unnerved investors, Boeing and Biogen sold off following results, and energy stocks fell along with oil prices. Indexes had traded in positive territory fo

US Treasuries prices fell for second day on Wednesday as data showed a mild rebound in domestic consumer prices in September, reducing some bets the Federal Reserve might delay possible plans to raise policy rates in 2015. Worries about disinflation at ho

US Treasuries prices fell for second day on Wednesday as data showed a mild rebound in domestic consumer prices in September, reducing some bets the Federal Reserve might delay possible plans to raise policy rates in 2015. Worries about disinflation at ho

South Korean shares edged lower on Thursday, weighed by nagging concerns over slowing global growth, although losses were capped by a late rally in Hyundai Motor Co after the release of its third-quarter earnings outlook. The Korea Composite Stock Price I

Tokyo stocks slipped 0.37 percent Thursday on profit-taking after the previous day's hefty gains and following a sell-off on Wall Street. The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange fell 56.81 points to finish at 15,138.96. The broader Topix index of

Hong Kong stocks slipped 0.30 percent Thursday on profit-taking after a four-day rally, while investors were unimpressed after a closely watched index of Chinese manufacturing showed a slight improvement. The Hang Seng Index fell 70.79 points to 23,333.18

European stocks ended higher in choppy trade on Thursday, buoyed by strength on Wall Street but hindered by weak corporate results from companies including French tyre-maker Michelin. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 also benefited from better-than-expec

South African shares ended in the red on Thursday dragged lower by mining companies and telecommunications operator MTN, which surprised investors with news it was struggling to sign on new subscribers in Nigeria. MTN was the biggest decliner on the blue-

Australian shares stepped back from a one-month high on Thursday, as weakness on Wall Street and a mixed picture on Chinese manufacturing activity sidelined buyers. A survey showing China's vast factory sector grew a shade faster in October helped lift st

Southeast Asian stocks mostly ended firmer on Thursday, with Malaysia and Singapore outperforming in the region amid mixed signals on the Chinese manufacturing sector. Singapore's Straits Times Index gained 1.1 percent, rising to its highest level since O

Britain's top equity index recovered late on Thursday and ended slightly higher, tracking a broad rally in US stocks following some strong earnings results, although a slump in Tesco and Unilever capped gains. The UK market was also supported by a 3.4 per

The New Zealand dollar fell one US cent on Thursday after a surprisingly weak inflation reading raised expectations that interest rates may remain on hold well into 2015. The sell-off pinned down the Australian dollar. The fall of more than 1 percent took

The euro eased on Thursday with the focus turning to a gauge of euro zone business activity due later in the day, while the kiwi slid after a surprisingly weak reading on inflation in New Zealand. The US dollar managed to stay above water, though a largel

The euro recovered from a two-week low against the dollar on Thursday after data showing an unexpected pick-up in euro zone business growth, though gains could be fleeting amid continued expectations of more monetary easing. Concerns over the health of th

The dollar rallied on Thursday as investors plowed cash back into riskier asset classes, with an underpinning of promising data from the United States and better-than-expected manufacturing data in Europe and China. The dollar was up 0.14 percent against

The US dollar extended broad-based gains on Wednesday after marginally higher-than-expected US inflation data coupled with earlier concerns over European banks sent the greenback to one-week highs against the euro. A slight uptick in September US CPI data

Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Thursday. 77.40-77.41 (previous 77.40-77.41). Call Money Rates: 07.00-08.75 percent (* Previous 07.00-09.00 percent) (* revised).

Sri Lankan rupee forwards ended slightly weaker on Thursday due to dollar demand from importers despite the central bank's intervention via moral suasion to prevent a sharp fall in the currency, dealers said. Exporters were reluctant to sell dollars ahead

Most emerging Asian currencies slid on Thursday as US Treasury yields and the dollar rose after an uptick in inflation, while a modest expansion in China's factory activity failed to ease concerns over slowing growth. Regional currencies also came under p

The rouble hit a new record low against the dollar on Thursday, prompting over $2 billion in central bank interventions after Russia's top oil firm sought huge amounts of state cash and firms scrambled for dollars. At 1300 GMT, the rouble was 0.56 percent

Sterling fell by around a third of a percent on Thursday after British retail sales dropped more than expected in September, another sign that one of the developed world's brighter economic recoveries is slowing. The impact was eased by subdued expectatio

An Indonesian football fan was killed at a match on the main island of Java when hundreds of angry supporters stormed the pitch and attacked vehicles outside the stadium, police said Thursday. Violence erupted during Wednesday's match between Persis and v

Brazilian players have been told to avoid using earrings, caps and flip-flops while on international duty as part of a disciplinary crackdown by manager Dunga. Dunga, who took over as Brazil coach in July, said players were sent a letter outlining restric

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar M. Khan has congratulated Younis Khan on achieving two significant landmarks on day one of the first Test on October 22 (Wednesday) against Australia at Dubai International Stadium. When the Board of Governo

Real Madrid handed Liverpool a 3-0 Champions League reality check Wednesday as Arsenal struck twice at the death in a 2-1 win at Anderlecht to mark manager Arsene Wenger's 65th birthday in style. At Anfield, Cristiano Ronaldo hit his 70th Champions League

The Board of Governors (BoGs) of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which met here Thursday, authorised PCB Chairman to take a decision on the status of those officials in the board holding dual positions on case to case basis depending on whether or not there

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), reeling from the fallout from the team's withdrawal from the tour of India, is facing fresh pressure from its worried commercial and broadcast partners. West Indies cricket was plunged into a major crisis after the to

Simona Halep qualified for the WTA Finals semis without picking up a racquet on Thursday when Eugenie Bouchard won the first game of her match against Serena Williams. Under the round robin format, the Romanian had been virtually certain of qualifying aft

Maria Sharapova's bid to end the year ranked number one was left hanging by a thread after she suffered a second straight defeat at the WTA Finals on Thursday. The only woman capable of leapfrogging Serena Williams for the top spot, Sharapova was beaten 6

Sarfraz Ahmed's belligerent century powered Pakistan to a strong 454 in their first innings on the second day of the first Test against Australia on Thursday. The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman scored at breakneck pace, reaching his second test century

Japan was stung Thursday by its third political scandal in a week after the country's new industry minister - whose predecessor resigned in disgrace over misspending - admitted that his underlings had spent office cash at a sex bar. The new revelations co

Any future attacks on Jerusalem will be met with the "harshest response" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday after a deadly Palestinian car attack killed a baby. "Jerusalem is united and was, and always will be, the eternal capital of

A United Nations rights watchdog on Thursday pressed Hong Kong to enact democratic reforms, saying moves so far fell short of what was needed. Amid weeks of mass pro-democracy protests and roadblocks in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, the UN Human Right

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that 200 Iraqi Kurd peshmerga fighters would travel through Turkey to the flashpoint Syrian border town of Kobane under assault by the Islamic State group. The regional administration in northern Iraq a

China's Communist rulers declared Thursday that the country would embrace the "rule of law with Chinese characteristics", official media reported after a key party meeting touted as heralding legal reform. More than 360 full and reserve members of the par

Spanish police arrested the son of Catalonia's ex-leader on fraud charges Thursday, judicial sources said, in a scandal engulfing his family at a politically delicate time for the region. Police searched the home and offices of Oleguer Pujol, youngest son

Poland on Thursday banned junk food in schools from January next year to trim rising rates of childhood obesity. Around 17 percent of children in Poland suffer from obesity, according to a UNICEF study published last year. Lawmakers were nearly unanimous

Botswana's political parties made their final pitches Thursday in a fiercely fought election that will test the strength of the ruling party against an invigorated opposition driven by a growing calls for change. Dubbed "Judgement Day" by local media, Fri

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades was hospitalised in Brussels with high blood pressure Thursday and asked Greece's premier to stand in for him at an EU summit, the government said. "After prolonged nosebleeds the president... was admitted early in the

The British military's 13 years in Afghanistan is recounted in a new exhibition opening in London on Thursday, weeks before its combat forces pull out with the country facing an uncertain future. Visitors to "War Story: Afghanistan 2014" at the Imperial W

The European Union put up 24.4 million euros Thursday in a "race against time" to find Ebola vaccines and treatments as deaths from the disease mount in the worst affected countries. The funds will be fast-tracked "in order to start work as soon as possib

Benchmark TOCOM rubber futures extended gains on Thursday to hit a six-week high, supported by a weaker yen and a Thai scheme to support its rubber farmers. The Tokyo Commodity Exchange rubber contract for March delivery had risen 0.2 yen to 193.3 yen per

Copper climbed on Thursday after data showed the euro zone business sector had performed better than expected while manufacturing grew slightly faster in top metals consumer China. Other base metals, however, were weighed down by a slightly firmer dollar

Argentine farmers are expected to plant 20.3 million hectares with soyabeans this year, up from 19.8 million hectares in the previous season, the agriculture ministry said in its monthly crop report on Thursday. The South American country produced 53.4 mi

Thursday's Rotterdam vegetable oil prices at 1600 GMT.

Thursday's Rotterdam vegetable oil prices at 1600 GMT.

Malaysian palm oil made its biggest gains in four weeks on Thursday, buoyed by a weakening ringgit, strong soy oil markets, and more trades to clear positions ahead of the end-of-month rollover. "The market is up today on the back of soybean oil," said a

Raw sugar futures on ICE fell to a three-week low on Thursday as the weakening real currency in top-grower Brazil spurred producer selling while rising production data there also weighed on prices. Arabica coffee on ICE Futures US turned higher on roaster

Gold steadied above $1,240 an ounce on Thursday as Asian stock markets weakened, but caution prevailed as the dollar hovered near one-week highs and outflows from bullion funds continued. "There are still concerns over a global slowdown but the recent gol

Gold fell on Thursday as stronger-than-expected economic data and upbeat corporate results lifted stocks in Europe and the United States, while the dollar index held near a one-week high and demand for physical metal eased. Outflows from gold-backed excha

US soyabean futures rallied more than 1.5 percent on Thursday after a weekly export sales report showed stronger-than-expected sales and as soyameal prices surged 3 percent. Corn futures gained about 1 percent and wheat climbed to a 1-1/2 month high on sp

Gold fell around 1 percent early on Thursday as stronger-than-expected economic data and upbeat corporate results boosted global equity markets, while the dollar index held near a one-week high and demand for physical metal eased. Bullion posted its secon

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday stayed the proceedings before a judicial magistrate in turtle-smuggling case till further orders. Headed by Chief Justice Maqbool Baqar, a division bench also issued notice to official respondents, Interior secretary

The country's total liquid foreign reserves rose by $29 million during the last week mainly due to increase in banks' reserves. According to State Bank of Pakistan's weekly forex reserve report issued on Thursday, the country's total liquid foreign reserv

Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan Jesper Moller Sorensen on Thursday said that Denmark focus on commerce was not only to strengthen bilateral ties but also help create maximum job opportunities for the citizens of Pakistan.

A spokesman for Provincial Energy Department has said that Punjab government is taking a number of solid and effective steps for overcoming energy crisis and increasing the production of electricity. He said that Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park is being set up at

A new initiative has been launched which enables anyone in Pakistan to study business for free at a renowned UK university, thanks to a collaboration between global accountancy body the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the University

Two days after calling off a two-month-long anti-government sit-in in Islamabad Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on Thursday said that the war continues but the commander has changed the front to achieve the objectives of Revolution Dha

President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to extend the last date for filing of income tax returns and wealth statements as the taxpayers are facing immense hardships. P

Cotton futures gained on Thursday after a weekly US government report showed a jump in export sales booked last week that slightly beat expectations. The benchmark December cotton contract on ICE Futures US edged up 0.36 cent, or 0.6 percent, to settle at

Surprisingly large weekly US export sales of soyabeans reported by the US Department of Agriculture on Thursday were correct, but a sizable share should have been posted in its daily sales announcements, a senior USDA official said. "These sales are corre

Brent crude oil jumped nearly 3 percent on Thursday, its most in over four months, after an industry source said Saudi Arabia cut output in September following the summer's tumble in prices. Strong euro zone economic data, better-than-expected Chinese man

Corn and soyabeans fell on Wednesday as investors booked profits from recent gains, and with huge US crops slowly coming off fields. Chicago wheat rose on technical buying. The rally was due to end, some said, after corn touched a seven-week high and soya

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday filed another corruption reference in the multi-billion Modarba scam against Asif Javed alias Maulana Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Elixer Group along with Mufti Osama and nine other accused

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday filed another corruption reference in the multi-billion Modarba scam against Asif Javed alias Maulana Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Elixer Group along with Mufti Osama and nine other accused

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) conducted exercise BARRACUDA-V in co-ordination with Pakistan Navy from October 21-23. The exercise aimed at rehearsing the anti-oil spill procedures and contingency mechanism. This marine oil spill exercise was co

A lower court on Thursday declared Shohada Foundation of Pakistan Trust (SFPT) application for registration of second FIR pertaining to the Lal Masjid operation maintainable, and transferred it for hearing by an Additional Sessions Judge.

The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatimi graced the closing session of the NDU-RDDC Seminar on "Regional Stability and Lessons Learned in Regional Peace building," as a chief guest, held here in the National Defence University on Thursday.

KP government intends to enact "Right to Compulsory Education Bill" soon. Provincial government is considering the financial implications of the bill, and also the actual needs of enrolment of all estimated 2.5 million out-of-school children. KP Minister

The Anti Narcotic Force (ANF) on Thursday foiled a bid to smuggle 6.8kg heroin to a foreign country and arrested two persons at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed International Airport. An official deputed at airport arrested a passenger Muhammad Arshad, a resident o

Khalid S. Subhani is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Engro Polymer & Chemicals Limited, and Senior Vice President for Engro Corporation Limited. Besides Engro Corporation Limited, he is a Director on the Boards of various Engro subsidiaries,

Khalid S. Subhani is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Engro Polymer & Chemicals Limited, and Senior Vice President for Engro Corporation Limited. Besides Engro Corporation Limited, he is a Director on the Boards of various Engro subsidiaries,

Introduction of non-formal education as effective education system for the promotion of peace and prosperity in the region and equipping every illiterate person with education is indispensable. These views were expressed by educationists and literacy expe

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday permitted Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU) to conduct examination of Shifa College of Medicine from October 28. A single-member bench headed by Justice Athar Minallah resumed hearing on a case pertaining to Shif

Pakistan has decided to launch an awareness campaign against India on violation of human rights and criminal activities carried out by Indian forces in Indian-held Jammu and Kashmir. Advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz sa

Speakers at a seminar have said that hepatitis B and C are affecting around 1.2 million people every year in Pakistan and there is a need to wage a war against this deadly disease which has become more dangerous than cancer. They attributed high hepatitis

-Speaker, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Asad Qaiser on Thursday, condemned the attack on JUI-F Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman in Quetta and adjourned the proceedings of the house to express solidarity with him. The session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has b

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted a month time to the top brass of health departments of four provinces and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to issue appointment letters to the Lady Health Workers (LHWs). A two-judge bench of Justice Jawwad S. Khawaj