Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
TOKYO (AP) — International stock markets slipped in muted trading today amid worries over U.S. trade policies that may affect regional economies. A stronger yen weighed on Japan's exporters. Futures point to a lower opening on Wall Street. Benchmark U.S. crude oil futures fell but remain just above $54 a barrel. The dollar fell against the yen and the euro.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Commerce Department will release today its report on new home sales in the month of January.
Also, JC Penney will report earnings before the market opens.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (TSEE'-prahs) says an agreement with European creditors under which the country will make further reforms in 2019 is a positive one and will mark an end to austerity. The government says that any measures that burden the Greek taxpayer will be offset by an equivalent government-proposed relief measure. Speaking in parliament today, Tsipras said both sets of measures would be legislated at the same time.
CAIRO (AP) — Egyptians are bearing down under their worst inflation in a decade, cutting spending as much as possible as prices surge on basic food items, transport, housing, and even some essential medicines. Inflation reached almost 30 percent in January, up five percent over the previous month, driven by the floatation of the Egyptian pound and slashing of fuel subsidies enacted by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in November. The move was part of a reform package to secure an IMF bailout loan of $12 billion.
HONG KONG (AP) — China's footprint in Hollywood is expanding following a wire and cable maker's purchase of a controlling stake in independent studio Millennium Films, which produced "Rambo" and "The Expendables." Recon Holding said Thursday it is taking a 51 percent stake in Millennium for $100 million. The terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter, give Recon majority ownership of Millennium and its library of 300 films.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
