In Europe today, European shares gained as it looks like Italy's budget deficit will be lowered, while Aston Martin priced its initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange, valuing the luxury-car maker at GBP4.33 billion. Read about the above topics on Dow Jones Newswires or WSJ.com.

 

In Other Media...

 

Confindustria, Italy's main business lobby, sees the country's economy growing less than expected by the government. Italy's GDP should grow by 1.1% in 2018 and 0.9% in 2019, according to the group. The Italian government targets an expansion of 1.6% for 2019, according to media reports. -La Repubblica

 

BNP Paribas, France's biggest listed bank by assets, has appointed Yann Gerardin as deputy chief operating officer. Mr. Gerardin, previously at the head of BNP's Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) unit, takes the place of Alain Papiasse, who became chairman of the CIB business. -La Tribune

 

Germany's government reaches a deal aimed at improving air quality while avoiding disruptive city-wide bans on diesel vehicles. Drivers will be able to trade in their old diesel vehicles for discounted new models or opt to upgrade their engines to reduce emissions. The reaction from car makers, who don't want to pay for expensive retrofits, has been muted. -DW

 

Spanish Finance Minister Nadia Calvino will present a 75-page reform plan, which the government hopes will allay EU fears that Spain will follow Italy's footsteps. The plan includes proposals related to energy efficiency, incentives for vocational training and the digitalization of public administration. The government move comes after the resignation of two of its ministers and amid doubts over whether it can muster sufficient support to pass its 2019 budget. -Expansion

 

It looks like tourist season in Greece will extend into October, with the number of spots on scheduled flights to Greece during September and October up by 13.2%, according to data from the Hellenic Slot Coordination Authority. In the first seven months of the year, tourist per capita spending rose 17%--even more than tourist arrivals, which were up 14.6%--spelling good news for Greece's tourism industry. -Kathimerini

 

The Serious Fraud Office has admitted defeat in trying to force a British mining company, Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation, to hand over documents prepared on its behalf by lawyers and forensic accountants. The agency opened an investigation against ENRC over suspected fraud, bribery and corruption around the acquisition of mineral assets. -The Times

 

Growth in the Irish services sector improved to a three-month high in September, a survey showed on Wednesday, prompting firms to tap an increasingly tight labour market and hire staff at the fastest pace this year. The Services Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 58.7 from 58.0 in August. The index has remained above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction since August 2012. -The Irish Times

 

The Italian Parliament plans to launch a new parliamentary commission to investigate the banking system. The commission should last two to three years. -Il Sole 24 Ore

 

Write to Barcelona editors at barcelonaeditors@dowjones.com

 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 03, 2018 07:09 ET (11:09 GMT)

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