Finance news you need to know today

SUNCORP says it has finalised over half the claims lodged by its customers after Cyclone Debbie, and more than 1500 home repairs have been completed.

THE Australian market looks set to open lower after Wall Street fell private sector jobs figures disappointed and unemployment claims rose. At 0700 AEST on Friday, the share price futures index was down 23 points, or 0.4 per cent, at 5,676.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar has fallen against is US counterpart, which itself has fallen 0.5 per cent on the US jobs and unemployment data. The local currency was trading at 75.85 US cents at 0700 AEST on Friday, from 76.00 on Thursday.

WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:

BRUSSELS — Japan and the European Union have agreed a free-trade pact to create the world’s biggest open economic area and signal resistance to what they see as US President Donald Trump’s protectionist turn.

BRUSSELS — Britain’s decision to leave the European Union will have “negative consequences” for the country and “frictionless trade” will be impossible, says EU Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier.

WASHINGTON — The US trade deficit narrowed in May, and the politically sensitive trade gap with China also slid.

WASHINGTON — US businesses added a modest 158,000 jobs in June, a survey has found — a sign that hiring has decelerated but remains healthy enough to lower the unemployment rate over time.

BALI — US golfer Phil Mickelson is redesigning an 18-hole golf course in Bali that will become Trump International Golf Club.

REDMOND, WASHINGTON — Microsoft is laying off thousands of employees in a shake- up aimed at selling more subscriptions to software applications that can be used on any internet-connected device.

THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS:

COKE — Coca Cola-Amatil has suffered a dual blow, losing a supply contract with Australian pizza giant Domino’s to its bitter rival, Pepsi, and failing to get its latest no-sugar offering onto Woolworths’ supermarket shelves.

DOMINO’S — The nation’s largest pizza chain, Domino’s, could be set to slice the size of its pizzas.

TRADE — Prospects for improved economic growth have been boosted by a recovery in coal exports.

FLIGHT CENTRE — A day after Flight Centre shares hit a 15-month high on the back of improved profit guidance, analysts at Citi have cut the stock to a sell, saying growth opportunities for the travel group are limited.

SUNCORP — Suncorp says it has finalised over half the claims lodged by its customers after Cyclone Debbie, and more than 1500 home repairs have been completed.