Asset management and investment banking may be birds of a feather in some Wall Street regards, but the differences in the two are significant.

The pound surged to its highest levels in more than three months Friday, extending a two-day gain of more than 3.7%, as investors reacted to news of a potential breakthrough in the long Brexit deadlock between Britain and the European Union.

Fidelity National Information Services agreed merger terms with WorldPay Monday in a deal that values the payment processor at around $35 billion.

Global stocks traded higher Thursday, following a five consecutive session of losses on Wall Street led by declines for tech and financial shares, as investors reacted to reports of further progress in U.S. China trade talks and the first step towards clarity in Britain's long exit process from the European Union.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May struck a defiant tone Thursday as she addressed lawmakers in Parliament following the resignation of two senior government officials, including her top Brexit negotiator, following a deal last night that sets out Britain's exit from the European Union.

"Supply chain challenges and persistent delays significantly limited the brand's responsive abilities" to changing consumer trends, CEO Sonia Syngal told investors Thursday.

"We believe the slowdown was caused by the spending pressure our consumers felt from higher gas prices and broader inflation," said CEO Bruce Thorn.

Costco took in $984 million in new membership fee in its fiscal third quarter, helping the bulk retailer top Street forecasts for topline revenues.