Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) -China's crude oil imports rose on the previous year in April, as refiners prepared for a fully recovered Labour Day holiday travel season, official data showed on Thursday.

Crude imports in April totalled 44.72 million metric tons, or about 10.88 million barrels per day (bpd), according to data from the General Administration of Customs.

That represented a 5.45% increase from the relatively low 10.4 million bpd imported in... (continue reading...)

By Stella Qiu

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Asian shares were mixed on Thursday but solid Chinese trade data helped China stocks outperform, while the yen stabilised after three days of decline as Japanese authorities hinted at the potential for currency intervention.

Europe looked set for a subdued open, with EUROSTOXX 50 futures flat, although the FTSE 100 was up 0.1% ahead of an interest rate decision from the Bank of England later in the global day.

By Akash Sriram

(Reuters) -AMC Entertainment on Wednesday beat estimates for first-quarter revenue, but the world's largest theater chain said the current quarter could be weaker than a year ago as strikes delayed the release of movies.

While the second quarter's box office will be stronger than the first three months of the year, it will be impacted by the strikes of last year and will fall significantly below the same quarter a year ago,... (continue reading...)

MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would do everything to avoid a clash of global powers but would not let itself be threatened, in a speech to mark the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Putin was addressing massed ranks of Russian servicemen on Red Square.

"Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash. But at the same time we will not allow anyone to... (continue reading...)

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Communities and workers near the site of a fire at a fuel tank terminal in Thailand's eastern province have been ordered to urgently evacuate as the blaze was likely to spread, the industry ministry said on Thursday.

One person was confirmed dead and three hospitalised according to a statement from the owner of the facility, Siam Cement group. The ministry in a statement said the owner was currently controlling the situation.