The Federal Reserve should leave short-term borrowing costs near zero for a seventh year in a row, a top Fed official urged on Thursday, citing sliding U.S. inflation and still-high unemployment.

Global oil prices were little changed for a second straight day on Thursday after better-than-expected U.S. jobs data helped the market hold ground after a 10 percent loss earlier in the week.

Supporters and critics of free trade are readying for a bitter battle this year over major free trade deals and legislation to fast-track trade agreements through the U.S. Congress.

Euro zone economic sentiment was unchanged in December against the previous two months, data showed on Thursday, as a more upbeat end-of-year mood in the services and retail sectors and among consumers was offset by a gloomier industry.

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Thursday $250 billion in investment in Latin America over the next 10 years as part of a drive to boost resource-hungry China's influence in a region long dominated by the United States.

The central bank is burning through its foreign reserves and many government services are being cut as Libya reels under the effects of a collapse in oil revenues caused by factional fighting that threatens to tear the country apart.

Keurig Green Mountain Inc will sell Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc's soda pods for its at-home cold beverage system, Keurig Cold, expected to be launched this year.

General Motors Co's (GM.N) luxury Cadillac brand has cut the price most customers will pay for its 2015 CTS to counter slumping demand in the United States for the marquee sedan.

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (DKS.N) is holding early-stage conversations with a handful of buyout firms about going private, according to people familiar with the matter.

Boeing Co (BA.N) said on Tuesday that it delivered 723 jetliners in 2014, hitting its own target, setting an industry record and retaining its title as the world's biggest plane maker, besting rival Airbus Group (AIR.PA).