Reuters - Before the Bell

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Thursday, April 18, 2019

American Express first-quarter profit falls 5 percent

Credit card issuer American Express Co said on Thursday its quarterly profit fell 5 percent, as it spent more on its rewards program.

Stock futures subdued after weak manufacturing data from Europe

U.S. stock index futures were muted on Thursday, as weak manufacturing data out of Europe underscored concerns of a global slowdown, while investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the release of a long-awaited Mueller report.

Oil prices rise on lower U.S. stocks, OPEC+ supply cuts

Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday, boosted by a decline in U.S. inventories, ongoing supply cuts from OPEC and its allies, and U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

Schlumberger profit falls 19.8 percent on weak North America activity

Top oilfield services provider Schlumberger NV reported a 19.8 percent fall in quarterly profit on Thursday, hit by weak demand for its equipment and services from U.S. oil producers under pressure to rein in spending.

Honeywell assessing its role in Boeing's next aircraft launch: CFO

Honeywell International Inc is evaluating the revenue potential from supplying parts to Boeing's next major aircraft program, which is likely to be finalized by late 2019 or early next year, Chief Financial Officer Greg Lewis told Reuters.

Google lets Android users choose browsers to ease EU antitrust concerns

Users of Android devices will be able to choose their browsers and search engines from five options starting on Thursday, a senior Google executive said, in a move aimed at addressing EU antitrust concerns and staving off fresh sanctions.

Honeywell beats profit estimates, raises full-year forecast

Honeywell International Inc on Thursday reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit and raised its full-year financial forecast as a boom in air travel drove demand for its aircraft parts used in the airline industry.

Blackstone to switch from a partnership to a corporation

Blackstone Group LP, the world's largest manager of alternative assets such as private equity and real estate, said on Thursday it would convert from a partnership to a corporation, in a bid to get more investors into its stock.

Daimler to seek 6 billion euros in cost savings at Mercedes: Manager Magazin

Daimler is seeking 6 billion euros ($6.75 billion) in cost savings and efficiency gains by 2021 at Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and a further 2 billion euros at Daimler Trucks division, Manager Magazin said on Thursday.

Grounded Jet Airways' shares sink, rivals race to grab airport slots

Jet Airways shares plunged on Thursday, battered by worries about whether the grounded Indian airline would fly again, while carriers such as SpiceJet rushed in to plug a supply gap in the wake of their rival's demise.