Reuters Business Today: August 20, 2015

Click to View in Browser Thursday, August 20, 2015 Stock futures fall as oil weighs, Fed notes global growth fears (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures fell sharply on Thursday, a day after minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting highlighted concerns over the state of the global economy and as oil prices hit their lowest since 2009. Jobless claims edge up; labor market still improving WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, but the trend remained consistent with solid labor market momentum that could keep the Federal Reserve on track to raise interest rates this year. Apple gains share in global smartphone market: Gartner (Reuters) - Apple Inc increased its market share in the second quarter when global smartphone sales grew at the slowest pace since 2013, according to market research firm Gartner Inc . Valeant to buy 'female Viagra' maker Sprout Pharma (Reuters) - Canada's Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc said on Thursday it would buy Sprout Pharmaceuticals, whose drug this week became the first approved treatment for low sexual desire in women, for about $1 billion plus milestone payments. More takeovers seen for small U.S. banks as rates stay low (Reuters) - Consolidation among U.S. banks, particularly capital-squeezed small- and mid-cap lenders, is set to rise in the next year or two due to persistently low interest rates, RBC banking analyst Gerard Cassidy said. Howard Buffett bets on hydropower to rebuild eastern Congo MATEBE, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - U.S. philanthropist Howard Buffett, son of billionaire investor Warren, is pouring millions of dollars into power projects in war-torn Congo, betting that private investment can bring development where the United Nations and aid agencies failed.  ECB's Nowotny dismisses 'currency wars' talk VIENNA (Reuters) - European Central Bank policymaker Ewald Nowotny on Thursday dismissed suggestions that central banks around the world were racing to weaken their currencies to gain an export advantage. U.S. crude prices fall towards $40 on global glut LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil prices fell to almost $40 a barrel on Thursday, their lowest since the global financial crisis of 2009, as supplies rose in North America and the Middle East, filling stockpiles to record levels. California prosecutors say Uber's background checks missed convicts SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California prosecutors have broadened their civil lawsuit against popular online ride-sharing service Uber, alleging that its background checks missed people previously convicted of murder and sex crimes, court records show. Strong jobs, weak inflation data muddy Fed rate debate: minutes WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Reserve officials widely agreed last month the economy was nearing the point where interest rates should move higher, but worried lagging inflation and a weak global economy posed too big a risk to commit to "liftoff." Related Video Greece stumps up ECB repayment Blossoming economy helps Holland's Ahold Counterparties is a curated snapshot of the best finance news and commentary around the web. Register Today News you can use with actionable, timely advice for managing your financial life, including retirement, taxes, real estate, education and more. Register Today » » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2015 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add newsletters@email.reuters.com to your address book. Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook