Reuters Before the Bell: March 15, 2017

Click to View in Browser Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Toshiba shares slide as crisis deepens, fate of Westinghouse unclear TOKYO (Reuters) - Shares in Toshiba Corp tumbled on Wednesday after it said it would consider a sale of Westinghouse but did not offer any clarity on whether it would proceed with a Chapter 11 filing for the U.S. nuclear unit - a move that could stem losses. Japan govt-backed fund may take minority stake in Toshiba chip unit: sources TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese state-backed fund may invest in Toshiba Corp's memory chip business as a minority partner - a move that would help the government prevent a sale to bidders it deems risky to national security, sources familiar with the matter said. British government cuts stake in Lloyds to below 3 percent LONDON (Reuters) - The British government has reduced its stake in Lloyds Banking Group to just below 3 percent, putting the lender on track to be back in private ownership within the next few months. Asian stocks mark time, waiting for clearer view on U.S. rates HONG KONG (Reuters) - Asian stocks consolidated recent gains on Wednesday before a U.S. central bank policy meeting that could signal how much monetary tightening to expect during the remainder of the year, with an immediate rate hike fully priced in by markets. Euronet Worldwide trumps Ant Financial's offer to buy MoneyGram (Reuters) - U.S. electronic payments company Euronet Worldwide Inc launched a $1 billion bid for rival MoneyGram International Inc on Tuesday, arguing that its all-American deal would face less regulatory scrutiny than a lower bid by China's Ant Financial Services Group. China's premier says no hard landing, but growth target not easy BEIJING (Reuters) - Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday that forecasts of a hard landing for the world's second largest economy should stop, though domestic and external risks remain and meeting the target of 6.5 percent growth for this year won't be easy. China aims to cut taxes, fees for companies by 1 trln yuan this year: premier BEIJING (Reuters) - China aims to cut taxes and fees for companies by 1 trillion yuan ($144.65 billion) this year, Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday. China supports globalization, free trade: Premier Li BEIJING (Reuters) - Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday that China supports globalization and free trade and will quicken the pace of opening its economy. China eyeing HK-mainland debt market links this year: Premier Li BEIJING (Reuters) - China is considering setting up debt market links between Hong Kong and the mainland this year, as it bolsters support for the economy of the former British colony, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday. China needs to relocate nearly 1 million workers this year: Premier Li BEIJING (Reuters) - China needs to relocate nearly 1 million workers this year due to capacity cuts, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday. Related Video Energy drags Wall Street lower Ackman takes $3 bln loss dropping Valeant Make sense of the market with highlights of valuable financial information and reports along with compelling investment insights. Register Today The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today » » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2017 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add newsletters@email.reuters.com to your address book. Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook