U.S. private employers boost hiring; consumer spending rises

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. private employers stepped up hiring in November and consumer spending increased last month, the latest signs of economic strength that could further cement the case for an interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve next month.

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S&P, Dow set to open higher as oil prices jump

(Reuters) - The S&P 500 and the Dow looked set to open higher on Wednesday as oil prices soared on prospects of a big output cut by major producers.

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Plaza memories may unnerve Trump-fueled dollar bulls

LONDON (Reuters) - Parallels between Donald Trump's U.S. economic plan and early 1980s Reaganomics have supercharged the dollar, reminding some that its rampant gains 30 years ago eventually required intervention to reverse them.

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Philip Morris CEO looks towards phasing out cigarettes: BBC

LONDON (Reuters) - Philip Morris International , the world's largest international tobacco company, could eventually stop selling cigarettes, its chief executive told the BBC on Wednesday, as it launched its alternative product IQOS in Britain.

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OPEC begins debate on oil cuts amid deep disagreement

VIENNA (Reuters) - OPEC began on Wednesday debating a deal to curtail oil production and prop up the price of crude, with Iran and Iraq resisting pressure from Saudi Arabia to participate fully in any action.

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RBS fails Bank of England stress test, must bolster capital

LONDON (Reuters) - Royal Bank of Scotland will have to bolster its capital holdings after it failed this year's stress test of seven British lenders, the Bank of England said on Wednesday.

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Leaner and meaner: U.S. shale greater threat to OPEC after oil price war

NEW YORK/HOUSTON (Reuters) - In a corner of the prolific Bakken shale play in North Dakota, oil companies can now pump crude at a price almost as low as that enjoyed by OPEC giants Iran and Iraq.

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