Before the Bell: U.S. jobless claims tumble to three-month low

	Click to View in Browser 03/6/2014 U.S. jobless claims tumble to three-month low WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected and hit a three-month low last week, a sign of strength in a labor market that has been hobbled by severe weather. U.S. fourth-quarter productivity slashed WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Thursday sharply revised down nonfarm productivity for the fourth quarter, mirroring the economy's slow growth pace in the same period. Futures tick up ahead of data, Ukraine woes linger NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures ticked higher on Thursday ahead of labor and factory data, while developments in the Ukrainian crisis kept traders on edge. ECB holds rates, looks at back door measure to loosen policy FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged on Thursday, holding its nerve in the face of uncomfortably low inflation though it may unleash other measures to pep up a fragile euro zone recovery. IBM China workers strike over terms in $2.3 billion Lenovo deal SHENZHEN (Reuters) - More than 1,000 workers at an IBM factory in southern China have gone on strike against the terms of their transfer to Chinese PC maker Lenovo Group Ltd caused by the U.S. company's $2.3 billion sale of its low-end server business. Stocks rise on Ukraine diplomacy, ECB easing speculation LONDON/PARIS (Reuters) - World shares rose on Thursday, supported by diplomatic efforts to cool the crisis in Ukraine, while the euro held steady on speculation the ECB could take fresh action to support the euro zone economy. Fed chair vows to 'do all that I can' to boost weak U.S. economy SEATTLE/ MEXICO CITY/ WASHINGTON (Reuters) - F ederal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen vowed on Wednesday to "do all that I can" to boost a U.S. economy where unemployment is too high and inflation is too low. Staples to shut 225 stores in North America as sales fall (Reuters) - Staples Inc , the largest U.S. office supplies retailer, forecast a fall in current-quarter sales as it loses customers to mass market chains and e-retailers, and the company said it would close up to 225 stores in North America by 2015. Morgan Stanley sells Zenith parent company stake LONDON (Reuters) - Morgan Stanley has sold its majority stake in Accelerate Acquisitions, the parent company of British car provider Zenith, to UK private equity fund HgCapital for 3.8 times its original investment. Exclusive: GM ratchets up truck discounts as U.S. sales skid DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co ratcheted up discounts in February on its full-size pickups, but it is telling Wall Street analysts that it intends to maintain premium pricing and margins on the trucks despite a drop in volume and market share. Related Video Tricky start for Italy's Renzi Breakingviews: Italy's Renzi off to a bad start Global Investing Frauds or fibs? Ex-Jefferies trader's fraud case goes to jury The patient and the brave 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