Before the Bell: Jobless claims tumble to near seven-year low

	Click to View in Browser 04/10/2014 Jobless claims tumble to near seven-year low WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to the lowest level in almost seven years, which could bolster views of an acceleration in job growth after a cold winter dampened hiring. EBay, Icahn end proxy fight NEW YORK (Reuters) - EBay Inc and Carl Icahn have ended their proxy fight, with the activist investor dropping his proposal that the e-commerce company split off its PayPal payments unit and withdrawing his two nominees for the eBay board. Stock futures trim losses after jobless claims data NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures trimmed their losses on Thursday after weekly jobless claims fell more than expected in the latest week, a positive sign for the labor market. U.S. import prices rise on surge in food costs WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. import prices rose more than expected in March as food prices recorded their largest increase in three years, but there was little sign of a broader pickup in imported inflation. BP says can act as bridge between Russia and West LONDON (Reuters) - BP will use its presence in Russia to help enhance relations between Moscow and the West, Chief Executive Bob Dudley said on Thursday as he restated his company's commitment to the country. BlackBerry may consider exiting handsets, eyes investments NEW YORK (Reuters) - BlackBerry Ltd would consider exiting its handset business if it remains unprofitable, its chief executive officer said on Wednesday, as the technology company looks to expand its corporate reach with investments, acquisitions and partnerships. Wal-Mart partners with Wild Oats to roll back prices on organic food (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc wants Americans, even those on a budget, to buy more organic food. Family Dollar to cut jobs, shut 370 stores as sales fall (Reuters) - Family Dollar Stores Inc , seeking to reverse declining sales and profit, said on Thursday it would it would cut jobs, shut hundreds of underperforming stores and slash prices. U.S. start-ups raise $9.99 billion, hit outsized valuations in first-quarter SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Venture capital funding for U.S. start-ups hit its highest mark since 2001 during the first three months of the year and 11 companies were valued at $1 billion or more, underscoring the increasingly pricey environment for entrepreneurs, according to a report on Thursday from consultancy CB Insights. Special Report: The princeling of private equity HONG KONG (Reuters) - The 28-year-old wears black-framed glasses perched on cheeks still round with youth. A discerning eye might notice the resemblance to his grandfather: former Chinese president and Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin. Related Video Breakingviews: Greek bond fever may do economy few favours Size matters (to investors) – Nigeria stock exchange chief Global Investing U.S. college savings jump with stock market: study Credit Suisse, Stuhlberger to extend ties with $13.6 billion fund 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