A daily morning look at the financial stories you need to know to start the day.
STOCKS/ECONOMY
-Stock futures are a bit higher after Wednesday's mixed close. We get weekly jobless claims numbers and retail sales data this morning.
DEALS/NO DEALS
-Disney and FOX have announced a $52 billion deal in which Disney will acquire Fox's movie and television production assets. Hollywood is worried the combination will bring substantial layoffs.
TAXES
-GOP leaders in the House and Senate have made a deal on their combined tax reform plan and now seek to vote on it next week. The Fed announcement Wednesday included some praise and a green light for the tax reform bill.
