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Euro zone unemployment unchanged in June at 12.1%

Unemployment in the euro zone remained unchanged from the previous month in June, at 12.1 percent, according to the latest data from statistics agency Eurostat. In the European Union (EU) as a whole, the unemployment rate was 10.9 percent in June, down from 11 percent in May.

Breaking News: German July flash composite PMI rises to 52.8, highest since February

German July flash composite PMI rises to 52.8, highest since February

Breaking News: French flash July composite PMI rises to 17-month high of 48.8

French flash July composite PMI rises to 17-month high of 48.8!

Apple beats on earnings but revenue outlook falls short

Apple reported fiscal third-quarter earnings and revenue that beat analyst forecasts on strong iPhone shipments, sending shares higher in late trading. But fourth-quarter sales guidance fell short. "I don't subscribe to the view that the higher end of the smartphone market has hit its peak," CEO Tim Cook said on the earnings call. 

Net income fell 22 percent to $6.9 billion, or $7.47 per share, from $8.8 billion, or $9.32 per share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue ticked up to $35.3 billion from $35 billion a year ago. The results still beat analyst forecasts for earnings of $7.32 per share on sales of $35.02 billion, according to estimates for Thomson Reuters.

China July flash HSBC PMI plunges to 11-month low

China's manufacturing activity shrank for a third straight month in July, a private survey of Chinese manufacturers showed on Wednesday, highlighting persistent weakness in both external and domestic demand. The closely-watched flash estimate of the HSBC China Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) fell to an 11-month low of 47.7 from 48.2 in June.

 This was significantly below market expectations for the index to hold steady at 48.2. A reading above 50 indicates expanding activity and one below 50 signals contraction. The slowdown in the manufacturing sector is leading more factories to cut back on workers, with the unemployment sub-index falling to a 52-month low of 47.3.

World awaits first glimpse of Britain's new prince

 The world could get it's the first glimpse of Britain's new prince on Tuesday, with Prince William and his wife, Kate, expected to leave a London hospital with their baby son. Kate, 31, gave birth to the couple's first child, who is third in line to the British throne, on Monday afternoon, ending weeks of feverish anticipation about the arrival. Royal aides said the couple and their newborn were all doing well and expected to leave hospital after 1700 GMT (1:00 p.m. EDT) on Tuesday, or possibly on Wednesday morning. "We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received," William and Kate said in a statement.