Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to underlying strength in the labor market that should continue to support the economy.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 215,000 for the week ended May 18, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 220,000 claims in the latest week.

By Karin Strohecker

LONDON (Reuters) - International investors are ramping up exposure to Turkey, focusing on local bonds and Credit Default Swaps (CDS) as monetary policy normalisation is becoming more deep rooted, investors and analysts said.

Almost a year ago, President Tayyip Erdogan - then fresh from securing an election victory - endorsed big interest rate hikes sought by markets to tackle runaway inflation, marking a shift from... (continue reading...)

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will identify U.S. property, including securities, that could be used as compensation for losses sustained as a result of any seizure of frozen Russian assets in the United States, according to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

The decree authorises Russia's government commission on foreign asset sales to identify the relevant property and states that decisions on compensation would be made in court.

By Hari Kishan

BENGALURU (Reuters) - The global equity bull run is showing signs of fatigue, with most major stock indexes not expected to repeat last year's stellar performance, according to a Reuters poll of stock analysts who also said a near-term correction was unlikely.

With financial markets paring back 2024 rate cut expectations from major central banks and most stock indexes already trading close to lifetime highs, further gains... (continue reading...)

By Elizabeth Piper and Andrew MacAskill

LONDON (Reuters) - There were tears, anger and frustration as Conservative lawmakers digested their leader Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision to call a British election much earlier than they had ever expected.

Some of those who are fighting to retain their seats feared the six weeks left to convince sceptical voters to back them would not be enough. For others who are planning to stand down, it... (continue reading...)