Business Today: California, government shutdown lift U.S. jobless claims to 6-month high

		Click to View in Browser 10/10/2013 California, government shutdown lift U.S. jobless claims to 6-month high WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits hit a six-month high last week amid a computer glitch in California, but the underlying trend pointed to a steadily improving labor market. Optimism over Washington negotiations lifts stock futures NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures rose on Thursday as investors were encouraged by signs of a thaw in the fiscal negotiations in Washington. China signs second-biggest swap line with ECB BEIJING/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - China accelerated plans to internationalize its currency on Thursday by agreeing to swap euros and yuan with the European Central Bank in a deal that is set to be China's second-largest to date. U.S. retailers' sales rise in September, but shoppers stay cautious NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. shoppers continued to show caution in their spending in September, gravitating toward bargains, as political strife in Washington and slow job growth hurt their confidence with the start of the holiday season just weeks away. Exclusive: Alibaba decides against HK IPO, not yet committed to other exchange - CEO HANGZHOU, China (Reuters) - Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has decided not to list its shares in Hong Kong, but has not yet committed to listing on any other exchange, including the New York Stock Exchange, CEO Jonathan Lu told Reuters on Thursday. Insight: Big Pharma braces for retirement of favorite regulator WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The retirement of Dr. Janet Woodcock as head of the Food and Drug Administration's pharmaceutical division is at least a year away, but already the industry she regulates is worrying about who will replace her. 'Look ma, no hands' on the car steering wheel still some way off DETROIT (Reuters) - When General Motors Co Vice Chairman Steve Girsky slid into a Cadillac SRX luxury crossover vehicle specially equipped to drive itself, his reaction echoed that of many consumers as more self-driving technologies are rolled out. Regency Energy Partners to buy PVR Partners for $5.6 billion (Reuters) - Natural gas pipeline operator Regency Energy Partners LP will buy rival PVR Partners LP for $5.6 billion, including debt, giving it a foothold in the prolific Marcellus and Utica shale fields. Eurogroup head cancels IMF trip due to Dutch budget talks AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch finance minister and Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem pulled out of annual IMF meetings in Washington on Thursday to deal with threats at home to the governing coalition's budget strategy. Monte Paschi CEO sees capital hike offered to existing shareholders ROME (Reuters) - Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena will seek to implement its upcoming 2.5 billion euro capital increase by offering it as an option to existing shareholders, the chief executive of the troubled Italian lender said on Thursday. Related Video Sports Spread: England must produce to avoid unthinkable Breakingviews: Royal Mail – the price is "right" Economic News Obama's Fed pick Yellen puts focus on jobs, stability Kerry reassures Asia as concerns grow over U.S. fiscal impasse 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