Rise of 13,000 in jobless claims is the smallest increase in 18 months.
iPhone company surpasses Nokia as the most profitable handset maker.
HSBC and Barclays report relatively strong profit compared to the bailed-out RBS and a restructuring Lloyds.
Top planning body raises pump price 7%, to its highest level ever, to reflect the increasing cost of crude.
The $16 billion takeover attempt sends Cadbury shares lower.
U.K. government-owned bank reports an operating loss of $2.5 billion, 50% less than the previous quarter.
The Reserve Bank of Australia expects the economy to grow 1.75% in 2009 and 3.25% in 2010.
The major central bank keeps its key interest rate at crisis level lows.
World's largest automaker makes $242 million in the latest quarter, but still projects a loss for the full fiscal year.
Investment banking growth lifts third-quarter earnings to $627 million.
