Higher steel prices boost Thyssenkrupp amid supply chain strains

Thyssenkrupp (TKAG.DE) said on Thursday that operating profit rose nearly fivefold in its first quarter, as its two biggest divisions – steel and materials trading – benefited from significantly higher steel prices.
Analysis: Back with a bang, share buybacks offer boost for Europe Inc

Europe’s record-breaking earnings season has shown a sharp rise in the number of companies repurchasing their stock, raising investor hopes of big U.S.-style returns in a market that has historically focused on dividend payouts rather than buybacks.