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BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks are seen opening broadly lower on Friday as traders brace for February's personal consumption expenditures price index due later in the day.

The U.S. Federal Reserve's preferred readings on consumer price inflation are included in a report on personal income and spending,

Economists polled by Dow Jones see the headline PCE price index reading rising 0.3 percent in February and 2.5 percent from 12 months earlier.

Closer home, Eurozone economic sentiment survey results, Germany's GfK consumer confidence survey data, GDP and retail sales data from the U.K., and the European Central Bank's (ECB) consumer inflation expectations survey results may garner attention later in the day.

The dollar index weakened due to lingering concerns about tariffs slowing U.S. growth and amid caution ahead of the April 2 deadline for the implementation of what U.S. President Donald Trump calls 'reciprocal tariffs.'

The euro headed for its largest quarterly rise in more than a year, gaining more than 4 percent since the start of 2025 on Ukraine peace hopes and Germany's massive fiscal reform push.

Asian markets were mostly lower this morning, with Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea leading regional losses on the back of deepening geopolitical worries and fears over U.S. tariffs.

Gold extended gains after hitting a new record in the prior session.

Oil prices dipped marginally after rising on Thursday on concerns over potential supply disruption from producers including Iran and Venezuela.

U.S. stocks ended lower overnight as investors remained wary of President Trump's tariff policies.

Economic data offered some relief, with the U.S. economy growing slightly faster than previously estimated in the fourth quarter of 2024, weekly jobless claims slipping last week and pending home sales rebounding in February.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slid half a percent, the Dow lost 0.4 percent and the S&P 500 gave up 0.3 percent.

European shares ended at their lowest in nearly two weeks on Thursday after the announcement of 25 percent U.S. tariffs on auto imports.

The pan European STOXX 600 declined 0.4 percent. The German DAX fell 0.7 percent, France's CAC 40 dipped half a percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 eased 0.3 percent.

CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Asian stock markets are trading mostly lower on Friday, following the broadly negative from Wall Street overnight, amid concerns over upcoming reciprocal tariffs and the 25% tariffs on auto and auto components imports in to the U.S. to go in to effect next week. The uncertainty about US President Donald Trump's trade policies continues to weigh on market sentiment. Asian markets ended mixed on Thursday.

Traders may also be reluctant to make significant moves ahead of the release of the US Fed's preferred readings on US consumer price inflation later in the day.

Trump noted that he would impose far larger levies than currently planned if the EU and Canada collaborate to harm the U.S. economy. The imposition of tariffs will be on goods imported by countries that buy oil from Venezuela.

The Australian stock market is modestly higher on Friday after opening in the red, recouping some of the losses in the previous session, despite the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is moving up to near the psychological 8,000 mark, with gains in energy and mining stocks partially offset by weakness in technology stocks.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index is gaining 18.20 points or 0.23 percent to 7,987.20, after hitting a low of 7,941.50 and a high of 8,001.00 earlier. The broader All Ordinaries Index is up 16.70 points or 0.20 percent to 8,202.20. Australian stocks closed modestly lower on Thursday.

Among major miners, BHP Group is gaining almost 1 percent and Mineral Resources is advancing more than 2 percent, while. Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals are adding more than 1 percent each.

Oil stocks are mostly higher. Santos is gaining more than 1 percent, Woodside Energy is adding almost 1 percent and Beach energy is edging up 0.3 percent, while Origin Energy is edging down 0.1 percent.

Among tech stocks, Afterpay-owner Block is losing more than 4 percent, Zip is slipping almost 3 percent, Xero is declining more than 1 percent and WiseTech Global is sliding almost 3 percent. Appen is edging up 0.5 percent.

Among the big four banks, National Australia Bank and ANZ Banking are edging up 0.1 percent each, while Westpac is gaining almost 1 percent. Commonwealth Bank is edging down 0.3 percent.

Gold miners are mostly higher. Evolution Mining is gaining more than 3 percent, Resolute Mining is up 1.5 percent, Northern Star Resources is advancing almost 5 percent and Newmont is adding more than 2 percent, while Gold Road Resources is losing almost 1 percent.

In the currency market, the Aussie dollar is trading at $0.629 on Friday.

The Japanese market is sharply lower on Friday, extending the losses in the previous session, following the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight. The Nikkei 225 is falling more than 2 percent to near the 37,000 mark, with weakness across most sectors led by index heavyweights, automakers and technology stocks.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Index closed the morning session at 37,011.66, down 788.31 points or 2.09 percent, after hitting a low of 36,961.80 earlier. Japanese shares ended notably lower on Thursday.

Market heavyweight SoftBank Group is losing more than 1 percent and Uniqlo operator Fast Retailing is also down more than 1 percent. Among automakers, Toyota is losing more than 3 percent and Honda is down more than 2 percent.

In the tech space, Advantest and Tokyo Electron are losing almost 2 percent each, while Screen Holdings is declining more than 1 percent.

In the banking sector, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial is losing more than 1 percent, Mizuho Financial is declining more than 2 percent and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial is down almost 1 percent.

Among the major exporters, Sony and Canon are losing almost 1 percent each, while Mitsubishi Electric is declining more than 2 percent. Panasonic is edging up 0.2 percent.

Among other major losers, CyberAgent is losing more than 4 percent, Resonac Holdings is down more than 3 percent and Keyence is declining almost 3 percent.

Conversely, there are no other major gainers.

In the currency market, the U.S. dollar is trading in the higher 150 yen-range on Friday.

Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea and Taiwan are down 1.8 and 1.6 percent, respectively. New Zealand, China, Hong Kong and Malaysia are lower by between 0.1 and 0.7 percent each Singapore is bucking the trend and is up 0.2 percent. Indonesia is closed for Saka New Year holiday.

On Wall Street, stocks showed a lack of direction over the course of the trading session on Thursday after recovering from an initial move to the downside. The major averages bounced back and forth across the unchanged line before eventually closing lower.

With the lower close on the day, the major averages extended the sharp pullback seen on Wednesday. The Nasdaq slid 94.98 points or 0.5 percent to 17,804.03, the Dow fell 155.09 points or 0.4 percent to 42,299.70 and the S&P 500 dipped 18.89 points or 0.3 percent to 5,693.31.

The major European markets all also moved to the downside on the day. While the German DAX Index slid by 0.7 percent, the French CAC 40 Index decreased by 0.5 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index dipped by 0.3 percent.

Crude oil prices moved higher Thursday on supply concerns after data showed a sharp drop in U.S. crude oil inventories last week. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for May closed up $0.19 or about 0.27 percent at $69.84 a barrel.

TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Extending the losses in the previous session, the Japanese market is sharply lower on Friday, following the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight. The Nikkei 225 is falling more than 2 percent to near the 37,000 mark, with weakness across most sectors led by index heavyweights, automakers and technology stocks.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Index is down 768.62 points or 2.03 percent to 37,031.35, after hitting a low of 37,021.05 earlier. Japanese shares ended notably lower on Thursday.

In the tech space, Advantest and Tokyo Electron are losing almost 2 percent each, while Screen Holdings is declining more than 1 percent.

In the banking sector, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial is losing more than 1 percent, Mizuho Financial is declining more than 2 percent and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial is down almost 1 percent.

Among the major exporters, Sony and Canon are losing almost 1 percent each, while Mitsubishi Electric is declining more than 2 percent. Panasonic is edging up 0.2 percent.

Among other major losers, CyberAgent is losing more than 4 percent, Resonac Holdings is down more than 3 percent and Keyence is declining almost 3 percent.

Conversely, there are no other major gainers.

In the currency market, the U.S. dollar is trading in the higher 150 yen-range on Friday.

BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The China stock market on Thursday snapped the two-day slide in which it had eased just 3 points or 0.1 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index now sits just beneath the 3,375-point plateau although it figures to head south again on Friday.

The global forecast for the Asian markets suggests mild downside ahead of key inflation data later in the day. The European and U.S. markets saw mild downside and the Asian bourses figure to follow that lead.

The SCI finished slightly higher on Thursday as gains from the financials and oil companies were capped by weakness from the property sector.

For the day, the index rose 5.05 points or 0.15 percent to finish at 3,373.75 after trading between 3,351.17 and 3,394.03. The Shenzhen Composite Index eased 1.51 points or 0.07 percent to end at 2,044.61.

Among the actives, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China gained 0.59 percent, while Bank of China advanced 0.91 percent, China Construction Bank added 0.47 percent, China Merchants Bank jumped 1.41 percent, China Life Insurance collected 0.64 percent, Jiangxi Copper plunged 3.03 percent, Aluminum Corp of China (Chalco) fell 0.39 percent, Yankuang Energy was down 0.14 percent, PetroChina improved 0.86 percent, China Petroleum and Chemical (Sinopec) strengthened 1.22 percent, Huaneng Power retreated 1.13 percent, China Shenhua Energy dipped 0.13 percent, Gemdale sank 0.65 percent, Poly Developments lost 0.47 percent, China Vanke shed 0.42 percent and Agricultural Bank of China was unchanged.

The lead from Wall Street is weak as the major averages opened lower on Thursday and bounced back and forth across the line before finishing modestly lower.

The Dow dropped 155.09 points or 0.37 percent to finish at 42,299.70, while the NASDAQ slumped 94.98 points or 0.53 percent to close at 17,804.03 and the S&P 500 sank 18.89 points or 0.33 percent to end at 5,693.31.

The lower close on Wall Street came amid ongoing concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies after he announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on auto imports.

Traders may also have been reluctant to make significant moves ahead of the release of the Federal Reserve's preferred readings on consumer price inflation later today.

On the U.S. economic front, the Commerce Department said the economy grew slightly faster than estimated in the fourth quarter of 2024. Also, the National Association of Realtors said pending home sales saw a significant rebound in February after plunging to an all-time low in January.

Oil prices moved higher Thursday on supply concerns after data showed a sharp drop in U.S. crude oil inventories last week. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for May closed up $0.19 or about 0.27 percent at $69.84 a barrel.

TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese stock market on Thursday ended the two-day winning streak in which it had advanced more than 350 points or 0.9 percent. The Nikkei 225 now rests just beneath the 38,000-point plateau and it may extend its losses on Friday.

The Nikkei finished modestly lower on Thursday following losses from the automobile producers and mixed performances from the financial shares and technology stocks.

For the day, the index dropped 227.32 points or 0.60 percent to finish at 37,799.97 after trading between 37,556.75 and 37,859.06.

Among the actives, Nissan Motor retreated 1.68 percent, while Mazda Motor plunged 5.99 percent, Toyota Motor tanked 2.04 percent, Honda Motor stumbled 2.48 percent, Softbank Group surrendered 3.92 percent, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial advanced 0.90 percent, Mizuho Financial jumped 1.38 percent, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial collected 1.42 percent, Mitsubishi Electric added 0.50 percent, Sony Group rose 0.26 percent, Panasonic Holdings slumped 1.39 percent and Hitachi declined 1.45 percent.

The lead from Wall Street is weak as the major averages opened lower on Thursday and bounced back and forth across the line before finishing modestly lower.

The lower close on Wall Street came amid ongoing concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies after he announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on auto imports.

Traders may also have been reluctant to make significant moves ahead of the release of the Federal Reserve's preferred readings on consumer price inflation later today.

Closer to home, Japan will release March data for Tokyo-area inflation this morning. In February, overall Tokyo inflation was up 2.9 percent on year, while core CPI rose an annual 2.2 percent.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After recovering from an initial move to the downside, stocks showed a lack of direction over the course of the trading session on Thursday. The major averages bounced back and forth across the unchanged line before eventually closing lower.

The lower close on Wall Street came amid ongoing concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies after he announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on auto imports.

Selling pressure was somewhat subdued, however, as the news may already have been priced into the markets after the White House revealed Trump would be making the announcement during the trading day on Wednesday.

Trump also told reporters on Wednesday that the reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on U.S. trade partners next week will be 'very lenient.'

However, Trump also threatened in an early morning Truth Social post that he would impose far larger tariffs than currently planned 'if the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA.'

Traders may also have been reluctant to make significant moves ahead of the release of the Federal Reserve's preferred readings on consumer price inflation on Friday.

On the U.S. economic front, the Commerce Department released a report showing the economy grew slightly faster than previously estimated in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The Commerce Department said gross domestic product surged by 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter compared to the previously reported 2.3 percent jump. Economists had expected the pace of GDP growth to be unrevised.

A separate report released by the National Association of Realtors showed pending home sales saw a significant rebound in the month of February after plunging to an all-time low in January.

Sector News

Semiconductor stocks showed a significant move to the downside on the day, dragging the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index down by 2.1 percent.

Considerable weakness was also visible among networking stocks, as reflected by the 1.9 percent slump by the NYSE Arca Networking Index.

Airline, computer hardware and financial stocks also ended the day notably lower, while gold stocks moved sharply higher along with the price of the precious metal.

Other Markets

In overseas trading, stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region turned in a mixed performance during trading on Thursday. Japan's Nikkei 225 Index fell by 0.6 percent, while China's Shanghai Composite Index inched up by 0.2 percent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose by 0.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the major European markets all moved to the downside on the day. While the German DAX Index slid by 0.7 percent, the French CAC 40 Index decreased by 0.5 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index dipped by 0.3 percent.

In the bond market, treasuries moved lower in reaction to the latest U.S. economic data. As a result, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, climbed 3.1 basis points to 4.369 percent.

Looking Ahead

The Federal Reserve's preferred readings on consumer price inflation, which are included in a report on personal income and spending, are likely to in the spotlight on Friday.

BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland market ended on a weak note on Thursday after staying well below the flat line right through the day's session, as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed 25% tariffs on autos and auto components imported into America, effective next week.

Trump also threatened in a Truth Social post early this morning that he would impose far larger tariffs than currently planned 'if the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA.'

The Swiss benchmark SMI closed down 86.57 points or 0.67% at 12,867.23, the day's high. The index touched a low of 12,738.01 in early trades.

Schindler Ps and UBS Group lost 4.3% and 4.1%, respectively. Holcim ended lower by 3.05%, while Sika, Roche Holding, VAT Group and Logitech International ended down 2.5 to 3%.

Julius Baer, Partners Group, Sonova, Richemont, Straumann Holding, ABB and Swatch Group also closed notably lower.

Alcon climbed 5.2%. Novartis gained 1.1%, while Kuehne + Nagel, Sandoz Group, SGS, Geberit, Nestle, Adecco and Givaudan ended higher by 0.5 to 1%.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks closed weak on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed 25% tariffs on autos and auto components imported into U.S.

Trump also posted on his Truth Social Platform that he will impose even steeper tariffs on the European Union and Canada if they collaborate to harm the U.S. economy.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she 'deeply regrets' Trump's latest tariffs move. 'The EU will continue to seek negotiated solutions, while safeguarding its economic interests,' she said.

Meanwhile, British Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who addressed the media in Cardiff following the spring statement, called US-UK trade talks a 'delicate moment' but stressed that the UK has no plans for retaliation.

The pan European Stoxx 600 fell 0.68%. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 closed down 0.74%, Germany's DAX settled lower by 0.89% and France's CAC ended 0.57% down. Switzerland's SMI lost 0.67%.

Among other markets in Europe, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Turkiye closed weak.

Poland and Portugal ended higher, while Belgium, Greece and Spain closed flat.

Auto and auto components makers were under pressure. Pharma and tech stocks too were weak amid concerns over potential tariffs targeting pharmaceutical and tech companies.

Antofagasta, M&G, Taylor Wimpey, Segro, Smith & Nephew, Anglo American Plc, Standard Chartered and Glencore were among the major losers in the UK market. These stocks shed between 2 to 5%.

Melrose Industries, Barclays, IAG, F&C Investment Trust, EasyJet and British American Tobacco also closed notably lower.

Fashion retailer Next zoomed 10.5% after reporting annual sales and profit growth in line with expectations.

Marks & Spencer rallied about 3.5%, and Compass Group climbed 2.75%. Associated British Foods, Endeavour Mining, Beazley, Kinfisher and Hiscox gained 1 to 2%.

In the German market, Heidelberg Materials and Siemens Energy tumbled 5.6% and 5%, respectively. BASF, Infineon, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Continental, Commerzbank, Volkswagen, Deutsche Bank, Daimler Truck Holding and Siemens were among the other notable losers.

Zalando rallied more than 3%. Symrise gained nearly 3%, Henkel climbed 2.7% and Merck moved up 2.1%. Sartorius, Beiersdorf, Deutsche Boerse and E.ON also ended notably higher.

In Paris, Stellantis closed lower by about 4.2%. ArcelorMittal ended down 4%. Dassault Systemes, Legrand, Schneider Electric, Publicis Groupe, Essilor, Accor, Saint Gobain, STMicroElectronics, Airbus and BNP Paribas lost 1 to 2.5%.

Teleperformance closed nearly 4.5% up. Michelin, Bouygues, Carrefour and Edenred gained 1.3 to 2.1%. Veolia Environment and Renault posted moderate gains.

UK car production declined for the twelfth successive month in February due to rising trade tensions and weak domestic demand, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, or SMMT, said Thursday.

Car production declined 7.6% yearly to 73,814 units in February, data showed.

Production for the export market plunged 33.3% in February, while that for the export market advanced by 1.3%.

Combined car and commercial vehicle production declined 11.6% to 82,178 units in February.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After coming under pressure early in the session, stocks have regained ground over the course of the trading day on Thursday. The major averages have climbed well off their worst levels of the day and into positive territory.

Currently, the major averages are posting modest gains. The Nasdaq is up 51.79 points or 0.3 percent at 17,950.81, the S&P 500 is up 13.04 points or 0.2 percent at 5,725.24 and the Dow is up 21.60 points or 0.1 percent at 42,476.39.

The early weakness on Wall Street came amid ongoing concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies after he announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on auto imports.

Trump also told reporters on Wednesday that the reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on U.S. trade partners next week will be 'very lenient.'

However, Trump also threatened in a Truth Social post early this morning that he would impose far larger tariffs than currently planned 'if the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA.'

The subsequent rebound by the markets may partly have reflected a positive reaction to the latest U.S. economic data, including a Commerce Department report showing the economy grew slightly faster than previously estimated in the fourth quarter of 2024.

A separate report released by the National Association of Realtors showed pending home sales saw a significant rebound in the month of February after plunging to an all-time low in January.

Sector News

Gold stocks have moved sharply higher over the course of the session, driving the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index up by 2.4 percent.

The rally by gold stocks comes amid a substantial increase by the price of the precious metal, with gold for April delivery surging $42.90 to $3,065.40 an ounce.

Significant strength has also emerged among telecom stocks, as reflected by the 1.2 percent gain being posted by the NYSE Arca North American Telecom Index.

Biotechnology and retail stocks have also moved to the upside, while semiconductor and networking stocks continue to see notable weakness.

Other Markets

In overseas trading, stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region turned in a mixed performance during trading on Thursday. Japan's Nikkei 225 Index slid by 0.6 percent, while China's Shanghai Composite Index inched up by 0.2 percent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose by 0.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the major European markets have all moved to the downside on the day. While the German DAX Index is down by 0.6 percent, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index and the French CAC 40 Index are both down by 0.4 percent.

In the bond market, treasuries have moved lower in reaction to the latest U.S. economic data. As a result, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, is up by 3.7 basis points at 4.375 percent.

BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The U.K. stock market is down in negative territory on Thursday, mirroring losses across the region, following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of 25% tariffs on imported cars.

Trump also posted on his Truth Social Platform that he will impose even steeper tariffs on the European Union and Canada if they collaborate to harm the U.S. economy.

The benchmark FTSE 100 was down 56.21 points or 0.65% at 8,633.38 about a quarter before noon.

M&G is plunging more than 6.5%. Schroders is down 5% and Taylor Wimpey is declining 4.7%.

Antofagasta, Melrose Industries, Segro, British American Tobacco, Smith & Nephew, Anglo American Plc. and Informa are down 2 to 4%.

Rightmove, Entain, BT Group, Standard Chartered, Barclays, Babcock International, Rolls-Royce Holdings, Glencore and Tesco are also notably lower.

Fashion retailer Next is rising 6.5% after reporting annual sales and profit growth in line with expectations.

Marks & Spencer is climbing up 2.7%, while Compass Group and Associated British Foods are up 1.3% and 1%, respectively.

BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Zebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA) and Merck KGaA have collaborated to tackle challenges in product verification, authenticity, and trust. The partnership will introduce M-Trust, the first-ever cyber-physical trust platform equipped with a mobile computer scanning solution to address pressing issues such as product safety, traceability, and counterfeiting.

The collaboration will also provide organizations with high-quality data to train and test AI models, boosting analytics capabilities as AI solutions are brought into operation.

Powered by Web 3.0 technology, the M-Trust platform is designed to adapt to evolving technologies and regulatory requirements, such as the EU Digital Product Passport, empowering businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape and remain competitive and trustworthy to consumers and regulators.

The companies noted that the newly created prototype of the handheld reader device consists of a mobile scanner built on Zebra's TC58 mobile computer and Merck KGaA's security-pigment detector, the SEC-Reader to scan products and share data with the M-Trust platform via Wi-Fi 6E or 5G for verification. This all-in-one solution allows customers to verify products without switching devices and includes features for frontline communication, such as two-way radio, a 16 MP camera, and a 1D/2D barcode scanner.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - LaRose Industries have recalled about 224,100 Cra-Z-Art Gemex/Gel2Gem jewelry kits due to risk of skin, eye and respiratory irritation and sensitization.

According to a statement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recalled jewelry making kits contain a resin that, when liquid, can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation or sensitization when inhaled, touched or ingested. The resin contains an acrylate (hydroxyethylmethacrylate 'HEMA') in amounts prohibited in children's products by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

Already created jewelry should be inspected to confirm it is fully cured. If there is liquid or any liquid residue present, the jewelry should not be worn and should be stored away from children. Once cured, the resin no longer presents the hazard.

The recall involves 10 models of Cra-Z-Art Gemex/Gel2Gem jewelry kits and one refill pack. The recalled jewelry kits include a resin bottle and a UV setting light to cure the resin and come in rectangular boxes labeled with the 'Cra-Z-Art' brand name and either 'Gemex' or 'crazy gel2gem.'

The company has asked customers to stop using the jewelry making kits immediately and contact LaRose Industries for a full refund. LaRose is contacting all known purchasers directly.

The recalled kits were sold at Target, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, and Joann stores, and other retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com and Joann.com from January 2023 through September 2024 for between $13 and $36, depending on the kit.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU) reported a profit for its fourth quarter that increased from last year and beat the Street estimates.

The company's earnings totaled $748.40 million, or $6.14 per share. This compares with $669.47 million, or $5.29 per share, last year.

Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $5.87 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

The company's revenue for the period rose 12.7% to $3.611 billion from $3.205 billion last year.

Lululemon Athletica Inc. earnings at a glance (GAAP) :

-Earnings: $748.40 Mln. vs. $669.47 Mln. last year.

-EPS: $6.14 vs. $5.29 last year.

-Revenue: $3.611 Bln vs. $3.205 Bln last year.

-Guidance:

Next quarter EPS guidance: $2.53 to $2.58

Next quarter revenue guidance: $2.335 to $2.355 Bln

NEW ORLEANS (dpa-AFX) - Electric utility Entergy Corp. (ETR) said Thursday its board of directors announced the retirement of Pete Norgeot, executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective May 1.

The company said Kimberly Cook-Nelson, executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, will replace Norgeot, as chief operating officer. Meanwhile, John Dinelli, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Entergy's nuclear operations, will be promoted to executive vice president and chief nuclear officer.

In this role, Dinelli will serve as a member of the office of the chief executive reporting directly to Chair and CEO Drew Marsh.

Since 2022, Cook-Nelson has had responsibility for the safe, secure and reliable operations of Entergy's four nuclear power plants and five reactors located in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

She began her career at Entergy in 1996 as a design engineer at the Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station. She moved into plant leadership in 2001 and has held numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility over her career.

She has also served as vice president of Entergy's system planning and operations organization, providing commercial support for Entergy's long-term resource planning.

Dinelli, who succeeds Cook-Nelson, has had a long career at Entergy, starting in 1991 at the Indian Point Energy Center, where he joined the company as an engineering intern. This was followed by an operations shift technical advisor role with the New York Power Authority.

Dinelli then completed a loaned assignment with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations as an organizational effectiveness lead evaluator. After completing his tenure at INPO, he worked as the site vice president for Waterford 3 and was named site vice president for ANO in 2019.

Since 2021, Dinelli has served as chief operating officer for Entergy's nuclear business. Prior to his current role, he served as vice president, nuclear independent oversight for the fleet.

The company said all these organizational changes are effective May 1, 2025.

NORTH CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - Abbott (ABT) Thursday announced it has received CE Mark in Europe for the Volt PFA System to treat patients battling atrial fibrillation (AFib).

With the earlier-than-expected CE Mark, Abbott has begun commercial PFA cases in the EU with physicians who have already gained experience with the Volt PFA System within Abbott's PFA clinical studies.

The company said it will further expand use of Volt in EU markets throughout the second half of the year.

About 8 million Europeans over the age of 65 are living with AFib, a number expected to double over the next 30 years. People living with AFib face an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and death, and many rely on cardiac ablation to treat the condition effectively.

CE Mark approval for the Volt PFA System was granted based on strong results from Abbott's Volt CE Mark study, a clinical trial conducted at centers in Europe and Australia.

'The launch of Abbott's Volt PFA system marks a major milestone in the evolution of electrophysiology across Europe and signals we're moving beyond early therapy approaches to new systems that incorporate key physician feedback and clinical insights to optimize PFA therapy,' said Prof. Puererfellner. 'PFA is significantly changing our approach to treating patients and it's exciting to see the Volt PFA System build on the therapy's potential and bring new benefits to clinical teams so we can improve the lives of more patients battling conditions like AFib.'

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Life science technology company PacBio, Inc. (PACB) announced Thursday the appointment of Jim Gibson as the company's new Chief Financial Officer, effective as of his start date, which is expected to be March 31, 2025.

With over three decades of financial leadership experience at some of Silicon Valley's most iconic and innovative companies, Gibson brings a deep track record of operational excellence, strategic financing, and scaling global organizations.

Gibson joins PacBio from Sequoia, a strategic compensation and benefits solutions provider, where he served as CFO across four entities. Prior to Sequoia, Gibson was CFO at Willow Innovations.

Additionally, he has held executive roles at GoDaddy, Tesla, Apple, Netflix, and Affymetrix, where he helped scale businesses, integrate acquisitions, and deliver over $1B in raised capital across his career.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) and Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (WOOF) on Thursday announced a new partnership for on-demand delivery across the United States.

On the Nasdaq, Petco Health shares are currently trading at $3.1501, up 28.98%.

The deal brings Petco's more than 15,000 pet products to the Uber Eats platform. All Petco locations in the country are now available on Uber Eats, and customers can shop for on-demand or scheduled delivery of pet food, toys, treats, and other essentials.

Starting Thursday, pet parents can browse and purchase Petco's curated assortment of high-quality products directly through the Uber Eats app.

As a launch offer, new and existing Uber Eats users can take advantage of an exclusive promotion for their pets. The offer includes 40% off on orders of $50 or more, up to $30, and Uber One membership unlocks exclusive benefits, including $0 Delivery Fees on eligible orders.

Steve Janowiak, VP of Digital at Petco, said, 'We're thrilled to partner with Uber Eats and give pet parents another easy way to get the trusted food, treats and supplies they need-right to their door and right when they need it.'

The exclusive Petco products now available through Uber Eats include YOULY's spring and Easter collections of trendy pet clothing, accessories, toys, treats and more, as well as Petco's fun 'Started as a Bottle' line, which is made with recycled materials.

Hashim Amin, Uber's Head of Retail in North America, added, 'With Uber's technology and nationwide delivery network, we're making it more convenient than ever to get the quality pet products families count on delivered straight to your doorstep.'

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RIGL) Thursday announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Annora Pharma Private Ltd., Hetero Labs Ltd., and Hetero USA, Inc. resolving patent litigation related to Rigel's product Tavalisse (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate).

The litigation resulted from submission by Annora of an Abbreviated New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval to market a generic version of Tavalisse in the United States.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Annora will have a license to sell its generic product in second quarter of 2032 or earlier under certain circumstances.

In accordance with the agreement, the parties terminated all ongoing litigation between Rigel and Annora regarding Tavalisse patents pending in New Jersey.

'The resolution of this patent litigation underscores the strength of Rigel's intellectual property protecting TAVALISSE, an innovative treatment for people with immune thrombocytopenia,' said Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO. 'We remain committed to advancing our portfolio of novel therapies with the potential to improve the lives of patients with hematological disorders and cancer, and to continue to develop and enhance our intellectual property portfolio.'

TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - ADM (ADM) and Mitsubishi have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form a strategic alliance to explore potential areas of future collaboration across the agriculture value chain. ADM and Mitsubishi now will explore potential new ways to meet global challenges.

Mitsubishi Corporation is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates business together with its global network of around 1,300 group companies. MC operates across eight distinct business groups in the fields of Food Industry, Environmental Energy, Materials Solution, Mineral Resources, Urban Development & Infrastructure, Mobility, Smart-Life Creation and Power Solution.

LONDON (dpa-AFX) - British energy major BP Plc (BP, BP.L) Thursday announced its intention to sell its mobility & convenience business in Austria. The marketing process will begin immediately, with the aim of reaching sale completion by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory and all relevant approvals.

The potential sale includes all of bp retail sites across Austria, EV charging assets, the associated fleet business of bp in Austria, and bp's share in the company operating the Linz terminal non-operated joint venture or NOJV. Among the more than 260 bp retail sites, around 120 are company owned.

The company said the plan is in line with its strategy of focusing the downstream business, reshaping its portfolio to drive growth and improved performance.

Emma Delaney, EVP, customers & products at bp, said, 'Over recent years we have grown the business to become number two major branded retailer in the market. As bp now looks to focus downstream and reshape our portfolio, we believe that a new owner will be best placed to unlock the business's full potential.'

The decision follows bp's announcement last year that it is marketing its mobility & convenience business in the Netherlands. bp has earlier divested its retail businesses in Turkey in 2024 and Switzerland in 2022.

JAKARTA (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Friday release March data for Tokyo-area inflation, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In February, overall Tokyo inflation was up 2.9 percent on year, while core CPI rose an annual 2.2 percent.

Thailand will release February figures for industrial production, with forecasts suggesting a decline of 1.7 percent on year following the 0.85 percent drop in January.

Finally, the markets in Indonesia will be closed on Friday for Saka New Year; they then remain off until April 8 for Eid-ul-Fitr.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Treasury Department finished off this week's series of announcements of the results of its long-term securities auctions on Thursday, revealing this month's auction of $44 billion worth of seven-year notes attracted below average demand.

The seven-year note auction drew a high yield of 4.233 percent and a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.53.

Last month, the Treasury also sold $44 billion worth of seven-year notes, drawing a high yield of 4.194 percent and a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.64.

The bid-to-cover ratio is a measure of demand that indicates the amount of bids for each dollar worth of securities being sold.

The ten previous seven-year note auctions had an average bid-to-cover ratio of 2.63.

Earlier this week, the Treasury revealed this month's auction of $69 billion worth of two-year notes attracted average demand, while this month's auction of $70 billion worth of five-year notes attracted modestly below average demand.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Pending home sales in the U.S. saw a significant rebound in the month of February, the National Association of Realtors revealed in a report on Thursday.

NAR said its pending home sales index surged by 2.0 percent to 72.0 in February after plunging 4.6 percent to an all-time low of 70.6 in January. Economists had expected pending home sales to jump by 1.5 percent.

'Despite the modest monthly increase, contract signings remain well below normal historical levels,' said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

He added, 'A meaningful decline in mortgage rates would help both demand and supply - demand by boosting affordability, and supply by lessening the power of the mortgage rate lock-in effect.'

The rebound by pending home sales largely reflected a sharp increase in the South, where pending home sales spiked by 6.2 percent.

Pending home sales in the Midwest also rose by 0.7 percent, but pending home sales in the Northeast slid by 0.9 percent and pending home sales in the West tumbled by 3.0 percent.

In its quarterly economic forecast, NAR said it expects mortgage rates will average 6.4 percent in 2025 and 6.1 percent in 2026

'Considering the Federal Reserve's recent forecast for slower economic growth, we expect mortgage rates to slide moderately lower,' said Yun. 'But the current high national debt will prevent mortgage rates from falling drastically - and certainly not to the 4%-to-5% range seen during President Trump's first term.'

NAR also said it expects existing home sales to increase by 6 percent in 2025 and accelerate another 11 percent in 2026. The association predicts the national median home price will rise by 3 percent in 2025 and 4 percent in 2026.

'Home price growth will moderate due to more supply coming onto the market,' added Yun. 'Having income and wages rise faster than home prices are welcome to improve affordability.'

OSLO (dpa-AFX) - Norway's central bank left its key interest rate unchanged on Thursday despite signaling an easing in the previous policy session in January, citing a stronger than expected acceleration in inflation and the uncertain economic outlook but continued to hint at the possibility of a reduction during the course of the year.

The Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committee, led by Governor Ida Wolden Bache, held the policy rate steady at 4.5 percent, Norges Bank said.

'Inflation has picked up and been markedly higher than expected. If the policy rate is lowered prematurely, prices may continue to rise rapidly,' Governor Bache said.

'Therefore, we decided to leave the policy rate unchanged now,' the Norges Bank chief added.

Norway's policy rate has remained at 4.5 percent since December 2023. In January, policymakers had clearly signaled a reduction in March, which would have been a first since May 2020.

'There is uncertainty about future economic developments, but the Committee's current assessment of the outlook implies that the policy rate will most likely be reduced in the course of 2025,' the Norwegian central bank said.

Policymakers expect the high growth in business growth and stronger than projected wage growth in 2024 to lead to stronger than projected inflation in the coming months.

The rate-setting body assessed that a restrictive monetary policy is still needed to bring inflation down to target. The bank is worried that a premature lowering of the policy rate may boost inflation rapidly.

However, policymakers are also concerned that an overly tight monetary policy could restrict the economy more than needed to bring inflation down to target.

'Weighing these trade-offs, the Committee judges that the current stance is warranted for somewhat longer than previously signaled,' the bank said.

The policy rate is forecast to drop to 4 percent by the end of the year, followed by a gradual further decline over the next years, the latest monetary policy report of the bank showed. The forecast was revised up somewhat from the previous report.

The bank expects the Norwegian economic growth to gain steam in the years ahead but unemployment to rise slightly to around pre-pandemic levels. Inflation is forecast to ease and be close to 2 percent towards the end of 2028.

'The uncertainty surrounding the outlook is greater than normal,' the bank said.

Capital Economics expects two interest rate cuts this year that will take the policy rate down to 4.0 percent. But the risks are skewed towards Norges Bank leaving the policy rate high for longer, Jack Allen-Reynolds, an economist at the research firm, said.

The next rate setting session of Norges Bank is scheduled in May.

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