Before the Bell: Futures climb ahead of jobless claims data

	Click to View in Browser 02/6/2014 Futures climb ahead of jobless claims data NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures advanced on Thursday, ahead of a rate decision by the European Central Bank, as well as U.S. labor market data and the latest round of corporate earnings. Jobless claims fall, point to firming labor market WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, in a boost to the labor market outlook and the broader economy. GM quarterly profit misses estimate, shares drop DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co posted a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter profit on Thursday as results in North America, Asia and South America disappointed, sending shares down more than 3 percent in premarket trading. ECB holds rates to assess deflation threat FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged on Thursday, holding off policy action while it waits for new economic forecasts next month to assess the deflation threat facing the euro zone. Fox's revenue rises as cable business grows (Reuters) - Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox, the television and film company that split from News Corp last June, posted higher December quarter revenue, driven by advertising growth at its sports channels and European satellite business. Sony to cut 5,000 jobs, split off PC, TV operations TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp , under pressure to shore up profitability in its electronics business, unveiled a restructuring plan on Thursday that will cut 5,000 jobs and trim 100 billion yen ($988 million) a year from fixed costs, while splitting off its loss-making PC and TV units. U.S. trade deficit widens in December as exports fall WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. trade deficit widened more than expected in December as exports fell, which could see the advance fourth-quarter growth estimate trimmed. EU lawmakers call for stronger safety net for failing banks BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU lawmakers called on Thursday for a strengthening of plans to tackle failed banks in the euro zone, as tensions mounted in talks to seal the important reform. Airbus says had no role in French business visit to Iran SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Planemaker Airbus said on Thursday it had not been part of a visit by a French business delegation to Iran this week, the most senior French trade mission to the country in years. Thailand's Nok Air to order Boeing 737 MAX jets: sources DUBAI/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Thailand's Nok Airlines is close to placing an order for Boeing 737 jets , several people familiar with the matter said, sidestepping domestic political turmoil to step up a battle between Southeast Asia's budget carriers. Related Video Daimler beats, faces hard road Reuters on the Road: Wet phone? Reviveaphone to the rescue Global Investing Jobless claims fall, point to firming labor market As outbreaks hit cruises, are deals worth risking illness? A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend