Reuters Business Today: December 8, 2016

Click to View in Browser Thursday, December 8, 2016 U.S. jobless claims decline from five-month high WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell from a five-month high last week, pointing to labor strength that underscores the economy's sustained momentum. China's Fujian drops Aixtron bid after Obama blocks deal FRANKFURT (Reuters) - China's Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund has dropped its takeover bid for chip equipment maker Aixtron after the United States blocked the deal on security grounds, throwing the German company's future into doubt. ECB unexpectedly cuts asset buys, extends until end 2017 FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank unexpectedly reduced its asset buys on Thursday but reserved the right to increase purchases once again, a decision that may be seen as a concession to conservative euro zone members such as Germany. ECB spooks bond markets with stimulus slowdown LONDON (Reuters) - A signal from the European Central Bank that it would slow its stimulus program from April next year spooked bond and money markets on Thursday and triggered a short sharp surge in the euro. Exclusive: U.S. regulator set to fail Wells Fargo on community lending test - sources WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. bank regulator is ready to fail Wells Fargo on a national scorecard for community lending, sources familiar with the decision said on Wednesday, in a move that could limit near-term expansion for the bank. Sears Holdings posts loss for fifth straight quarter (Reuters) - Retailer Sears Holdings Corp reported its fifth straight quarterly loss and said there was no guarantee when it would return to profitability. Poll: U.S. economic outlook unmoved so far after Trump win (Reuters) - Donald Trump's shock White House win has not altered U.S. economic forecasts much, with economists in a Reuters poll expecting three rate rises by the end of next year based on little follow-through on most of the soon-to-be president's protectionist campaign promises. EU takes legal action against Germany, UK over Volkswagen scandal BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union started legal action on Thursday against seven countries including Germany and Britain for failing to police emissions test cheating by carmakers after the Volkswagen scandal. Eyeing upswing, more U.S. oilfield service firms restructure (Reuters) - After two years of hunkering down, struggling U.S. oilfield service providers are preparing for an expected oil-price recovery in an unexpected way: filing for bankruptcy. Ericsson says Swedish staff cuts running ahead of plan STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Struggling telecom equipment maker Ericsson said on Thursday sweeping staff cuts in its Swedish home market were running ahead of schedule, resulting in higher restructuring costs this year. Related Video Wall Street surges to new highs, transports set record Senate antitrust subcommittee probes AT&T-Time Warner merger Counterparties is a curated snapshot of the best finance news and commentary around the web. Register Today News you can use with actionable, timely advice for managing your financial life, including retirement, taxes, real estate, education and more. Register Today » » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2016 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add newsletters@email.reuters.com to your address book. Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook