Labor productivity in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the first quarter of 2026, according to preliminary data released by the Labor Department on Thursday. The report said labor productivity climbed by 0.8 percent in the first quarter after jumping by a downwardly revised 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025.
A report released by the Labor Department on Thursday showed first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits rebounded by less than expected in the week ended May 2nd. The Labor Department said initial jobless claims rose to 200,000, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's revised level of 190,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to climb to 205,000.
Norway has become the latest country to join the Pax Silica initiative. The Pax Silica Initiative is a U.S.-led international coalition launched in December to secure supply chains for semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and critical minerals. It aims to reduce reliance on coerced, concentrated supply...
Hopes of Iran reaching an agreement with the U.S. and reopening the Strait of Hormuz is driving the markets positive. The Energy sell off has eased, Brent Crude futures dropped to below $100 per barrel, reversing earlier gains. S&P/TSX Composite Index has closed at at 33,981.82, up 1.24 percent on...
Following the rally seen over the two previous sessions, stocks may show a more modest move to the upside in early trading on Thursday. The major index futures are currently pointing to a slightly higher open for the markets, with the S&P 500 futures up by 0.2 percent. Optimism about a peaceful end...
The Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration has issued a proposed rule that would allow specific categories of critical infrastructure sites to apply for restrictions on drone operations around their facilities. Restrictions - which would be submitted and approved via a new FAA...
Geopolitical conditions might continue to influence investor sentiments on Thursday. In response to the U.S. proposal for ending the Middle East conflict, Iran might be sharing their response today. Early signs from the U.S. Futures Index suggest that Wall Street might open moderately up. In...
With methane emissions from energy sector near record highs, tried-and-tested abatement measures could make 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas available annually, new IEA analysis shows. Methane emissions from fossil fuels remained at very high levels in 2025, with no sign they are declining globally, according to the International Energy Agency's latest tracking update. Although some countr
US Air Force'S F-22 Raptor fighter jets have arrived at Kadena Air Base, the American air base in Japan, marking the latest fighter rotation supporting operations across the Indo-Pacific region. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the F-22s will operate alongside heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft assigned to the Air Force's 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, s
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged all Americans aboard the hantavirus-hit cruise ship to follow the guidance of health officials as the Trump Administration works to bring them home safely. In a statement issued on Wednesday, CDC said the Administration is closely monitoring...
Norway's central bank raised its benchmark rate unexpectedly by a quarter-point on Thursday as the war in the Middle East pushed up inflation and raised substantial uncertainty about the economic outlook. The Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committee of Norges Bank decided to raise the policy rate to 4.25 percent from 4.0 percent.
Amantadine, a commonly prescribed drug for Parkinson's disease and other disorders, was recently used for treating epileptic encephalopathy in pediatric patients in Spain. The tricyclic amine amantadine was first approved in 1976 for the prophylaxis of influenza A. In recent years, the drug has been...
President Donald Trump has issued a fresh ultimatum to Iran, warning that if it doesn't accept his 14-point peace proposal to end the Middle East war, the United States will start bombing "at a much higher level and intensity." "Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blo
European stocks were broadly lower on Thursday after posting strong gains in the previous session on AI-driven optimism and hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict. The downside was capped after data showed German factory orders grew at a faster pace in March. Factory orders increased...
Oil and gas major Shell Plc reported Thursday higher profit and adjusted EBITDA in its first quarter, while revenues and other income edged down amid weak production. Separately, Shell announced the commencement of a $3.0 billion share buyback programme. In London, the shares were losing around 2.8 percent. In pre-market activity on the NYSE, Shell shares were down 1.7 percent
May 01, 2026 15:54 ET Central banks dominated the economics news flow this week with almost all major ones announcing their latest policy decisions and many boosted expectations for a rate hike in June. In other news, several countries released the preliminary data for first quarter economic growth. In the U.S., comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were also in focus as his term ends this month.