Business Today: China, Europe manufacturing data help lift stock futures

		Click to View in Browser 08/1/2013 China, Europe manufacturing data help lift stock futures NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures rose on Thursday, after economic data in Europe and China boosted hopes for the global economy and kept alive expectations for continued economic support from global central banks. Jobless claims drop to 5-1/2 year low WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell unexpectedly last week, touching a 5-1/2 year low, suggesting a steadily improving labor market. Procter & Gamble fourth-quarter core profit falls 4 percent (Reuters) - Procter & Gamble Co's quarterly profit fell less than expected and full-year's earnings should rise at least as much as last year, indicating the world's largest household products maker is making progress with Chief Executive A.G. Lafley back at the helm. Macy, Penney to wrap up trial on Martha Stewart home goods dispute NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York state judge could decide as soon as Thursday whether J.C. Penney Co Inc can sell certain Martha Stewart-branded home goods despite rival Macy's Inc's exclusive deal with the doyenne of U.S. home decor. Time Warner Cable adds fewer internet users than expected (Reuters) - Time Warner Cable Inc, the second-largest U.S. cable operator, reported quarterly revenue below analysts' estimates as it added less than half the number of subscribers for high-speed data services that analysts had expected. ECB holds rates as economy perks up FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank left interest rates at a record low 0.5 percent on Thursday following signs of a tentative recovery in the euro zone economy. Exxon's quarterly profit lower, output off 1.9 percent (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp on Thursday reported a lower-than-expected decline in second-quarter profit as oil and gas output dropped and earnings for its refining business fell. Kellogg trims sales view on slower U.S. market (Reuters) - Kellogg Co trimmed its 2013 sales forecast on Thursday, citing weaker growth in the United States and the stronger dollar. Europe's factories grow, China's stabilize LONDON (Reuters) - Europe's factories delivered more signs last month the region is gradually leaving recession behind, according to business surveys that also eased immediate fears over the health of China's economy. Chesapeake quarterly profit tops Street estimate (Reuters) - Chesapeake Energy Corp reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday as it produced more crude oil than Wall Street targeted. Related Video Market Pulse: Low BoE rates for longer? Yes. More QE? No U.S. Morning Call: Profit & a deadline for Time Warner Cable Economic News Jobless claims drop to 5-1/2 year low U.S. planned layoffs ease in July: Challenger 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