With the more closely watched monthly jobs report looming, the Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits remained flat in the week ended April 27th. The report said initial jobless claims came in 208,000, unchanged from the previous week's upwardly revised level. Economists had expected jobless claims to inch up to 212,000.

SLB (SLB) announced Thursday the signing of a new long-term strategic collaboration agreement between Equinor ASA (EQNR) and the Subsea Integration Alliance (which comprises OneSubsea and Subsea7).

Higher crude oil prices and comments from Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem that the central bank is getting closer to start cutting rates from over 2-decade highs, indicate a positive start for Canadian shares on Thursday.

While reporting financial results for the first quarter on Thursday, technology company Aptiv PLC (APTV) raised its adjusted earnings guidance for the full-year 2024, while slashing annual net sales outlook.

A report released by the Labor Department on Thursday showed labor productivity in the U.S. increased by less than expected in the first quarter of 2024.

Euro up, dollar-yen down, gold spikes, Google steady. Bank of Canada considers rate cut, Fed hints at future rate adjustment. Key economic events: Japan Consumer Confidence, Australia Trade Balance, US Labor Costs, Spain Unemployment Change, US Jobless Claims, Austria Unemployment Rate.

Brent crude oil prices have dropped to $83.95 per barrel on Thursday, marking the lowest level in seven weeks. This decline follows recent US statistics indicating a significant increase in crude oil inventories and production.

Fed appears less hawkish than expected - Dollar and Treasury yields pull back - Yen rallies on another round of suspected intervention - Wall Street trades cautiously ahead of NFPs

On 30 April – 1 May, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) will meet to decide on key interest rates in the U.S. economy. The Fed is expected to leave rates unchanged.

Powell's dovish stance prompted a sharp decline in the strength of the U.S. dollar, while gold prices rebounded on the prospect of a softer dollar.