The European Central Bank kept policy unchanged as expected on Thursday, staying on track to provide copious stimulus this year even as inflation runs at a record high, exceeding both the bank's 2% target and its projections.

Deutsche Bank closed its short trade on the euro and recommended clients to enter into a long euro/dollar trade on Thursday after the European Central Bank acknowledged the bloc's inflationary situation has changed.

(Reuters) -Investment bank Lazard Ltd said on Thursday it expects dealmaking activity to remain robust following a record-breaking year for mergers and acquisitions, after posting earnings well above expectations.

(Reuters) -The euro jumped against the dollar on Thursday after comments from ECB president Christine Lagarde fuelled expectations of faster monetary policy tightening, although the central bank confirmed its guidance for interest rates and its bond purchase programme.

(Reuters) -Merck & Co said on Wednesday it expects its 2022 sales to increase as much as 18 percent over last year, mostly on sales of its new COVID-19 pill, molnupiravir.

New orders for U.S.-made goods fell slightly more than expected in December, but manufacturing remains supported by businesses replenishing inventories.