Same-store sales beat expectations

U.S. retailers, including Macy's Inc and Abercrombie & Fitch , surprised Wall Street with better-than-expected September sales, suggesting shoppers could be loosening their purse strings ahead of the crucial holiday season. Read Full Article here.

U.S. jobless claims hit 9-month low

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless insurance fell more-than-expected to a nine-month low last week, data showed, suggesting the labor market was healing despite a setback in September. Read Full Article here.

Citi management gets satisfactory marks in review

A review of Citigroup Inc's management team, demanded by U.S. regulators in the aftermath of the financial crisis, gave it satisfactory marks, according to a person familiar with the matter. Read Full Article here.

ECB holds rates at record low 1 percent

The European Central Bank kept its main refinancing rate unchanged at a record low of 1.0 percent on Thursday, as expected by economists. Read Full Article here.

Juicy returns from M&A may prove elusive

Investors eager to cash in on the prospect of a revival of merger & acquisition (M&A) activity could see their efforts go to waste as access to financing remains a major obstacle hampering bids. Read Full Article here.

PepsiCo shares up after profit tops expectations

PepsiCo Inc reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday, helped by increased sales volumes of snacks and beverages, and its shares rose nearly 2 percent. Read Full Article here.