News Highlights: Top Global Markets News of the Day - Thursday at 7 PM ET

S&P 500, Nasdaq Fall; Trump Rings NYSE Bell

U.S. stock indexes declined in ho-hum trading after the latest inflation reading left intact the case for another interest-rate cut.

Muted wholesale inflation rate likely gives final go-ahead for Fed to cut interest rates

A key measure of U.S. wholesale inflation posted a small increase in November and probably added the final nail in the coffin in favor of a widely expected reduction in interest rates next week.

Canada to Consider Export Tax on Commodities as Part of Trump Tariff Response

Commodities that could be affected include crude oil, potash and uranium. Nearly all crude oil exported from Canada is bound for the U.S.

ECB Cuts Rates Again to Boost Flagging Growth. What to Know.

The third cut in as many meetings comes as President-elect Donald Trump's threatened tariffs loom large for the eurozone economy.

Jobless claims jump to two-month high in a cautionary sign, but holidays may be to blame

Initial jobless claims rose by 17,000 to 242,000 in the week that ended Dec. 7, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's the highest level since mid-October.

Swiss Central Bank Cuts Key Rate, Reining In Franc

The Swiss National Bank cut the rate to 0.5% from 1%, matching the half-point move announced by Canada's central bank.

Gold Prices to Rise More Modestly in 2025

The World Gold Council said that if the economy performs according to market-consensus expectations, gold prices should rise at a more measured pace than this year.

Investors Shouldn't Count on Much Help From the Fed Next Year

Markets still expect two or three rate cuts in 2025. That could be too optimistic.

Germany Faces Tepid Growth Without Policy Changes, Ifo Says

The research group said the economy would shrink 0.1% this year, and only grow 0.4% in 2025, unless the government implemented pro-growth policies.

French Bank Bonds Stay Resilient but Political Uncertainty Warrants Caution

The bonds of France's major banks are expected to remain relatively resilient in the face of the country's political and economic challenges, helped by strong credit ratings and substantial international presence, analysts said.