Automakers and Banks Drive European Stocks Higher

Well-received results from banks and auto makers were helping to drive gains for European stocks, while flash purchasing managers index data revealed continued pandemic-fueled struggles for the region. 


 
Eurozone PMI Slips to Four-Month Low

A key indicator for the eurozone economy fell to a four-month low in October, as increased restrictions due to a rise in coronavirus numbers hit the services sector. 


 
Trump, Biden Clash on Covid, Ethics in Calmer Debate

The candidates offered starkly differing views of the U.S. coronavirus response, traded accusations about personal ethics and questioned each other's records on economic and racial-justice issues in the final debate before the election. 


 
Negotiators Defend Continuing Talks on Coronavirus-Aid Deal

The nearly $2 trillion package under discussion faces resistance in the GOP-controlled Senate, in addition to the timeline posed by the Nov. 3 elections. 


 
U.S. New Coronavirus-Case Count Breaks 70,000, Highest Since July

The daily number of Covid-19 cases reported in the U.S. rose to 71,671 on Thursday, the most in a single day since July 24 and the third-highest single-day total overall. 


 
U.S. Home Sales Rise to New 14-Year High

Sales of previously owned homes rose 9.4% in September, bolstered by robust demand and a shortage of homes for sale that is making the housing market one of the brightest spots for the U.S. economy. 


 
Wall Street Profits Soar During First Half of 2020

Wall Street profits jumped 82% in the first half of this year, a rare bright spot for the city and state's pandemic-ravaged budgets. 


 
Jobless Claims for Month So Far Fell to Lowest Levels Since March

Filings for jobless benefits fell to 787,000 last week, a sign of a pickup in the labor market. The report includes revisions from California that reduced the number of claims in October, with claims for the week ended Oct. 3-767,000-marking the lowest since mid-March. 


 
China Economic Rebound Pushes Copper Prices to Multiyear High

The industrial metal, seen as a proxy for global growth, has surged on stronger demand and anticipation that the world's transition to electric vehicles will drive further consumption. 


 
Pandemic Boom Stocks Don't Have Earnings to Support Them

Much of the value of the winners of the pandemic stock market like Apple, Alphabet and Twitter lies in the hope of earnings many years in the future. But that means they are more exposed to the unexpected threats that will emerge given more time.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-23-20 0515ET