Business Today: Stock futures edge up, jobless claims on tap

		Click to View in Browser 03/7/2013 Stock futures edge up, jobless claims on tap NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures edged up on Thursday, suggesting investors will attempt to hold on to recent gains, with data on the jobs market due to be released later in the morning. Fourth-quarter productivity weakest in four years WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nonfarm productivity fell at its fastest pace in four years in the fourth quarter, but the decline was likely to be temporary as economic growth is expected to pick up after stalling in late 2012. Jobless claims unexpectedly fall, signal labor market gains WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting a pick-up in the labor market recovery. Chrysler invites IPO pitches, leaves door open to Fiat buyout NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. carmaker Chrysler has asked banks to pitch next month for a mandate to run a potential public listing of its shares, four sources said, as parent Fiat wrangles with minority shareholder VEBA over a possible buyout. Trade gap widens more than expected in January WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The trade deficit in January widened more than expected as fuel oil exports slumped and crude oil imports rose, a U.S. government report showed on Thursday. Dell shareholder Icahn opposes go-private deal, seeks payout (Reuters) - Dell Inc shareholder Carl Icahn proposed the No. 3 personal computer maker pay out $15.7 billion in a special dividend, becoming the second major investor to oppose a plan by founder Michael Dell to take the company private. Planned layoffs rose for second month in a row in February: Challenger NEW YORK (Reuters) - Planned layoffs at companies rose for the second month in a row in February as the financial sector cut the most employees in over a year, a report showed on Thursday. BP faces escalating spill payouts after court ruling LONDON (Reuters) - BP must keep paying certain types of oil spill compensation in much larger amounts and to more parties than it was expecting, according to a court ruling this week, which could add billions of dollars to its final bill. Analysis: Next Intel CEO to guide new business, maybe Apple deal SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Intel's next CEO is likely to shepherd the top chipmaker into a growing contract-manufacturing business, a strategic shift that could lead to a deal with Apple Inc and give it a fighting chance to make inroads in the mobile arena. Safety board says will issue report on Boeing 787 probe on Thursday WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The National Transportation Safety Board will issue an "interim factual report" at 11 a.m. ET Thursday on its investigation into a battery fire aboard a Japan Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane on January 7. Related Video Daily Digit: Monte Paschi's damages bid Market Pulse: BoE holds fire, historic remit change looms Economic News Jobless claims unexpectedly fall, signal labor market gains Trade gap widens more than expected in January 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