* Euro hurt by disappointing German flash PMI readings for April

One of President Donald Trump's prospective Federal Reserve nominees, businessman Herman Cain, said on Thursday he was not withdrawing from consideration for the post, although his chances of winning the Senate's needed approval appear dim.

* Bankers focus on take private deals (Adds comment from Canaccord Genuity Group)

* Strong U.S. retail sales boost dollar (Updates to close of U.S. markets)

* Number of arrests this week rises above 500 (Updates number of arrests, adds protester quote and context)

* Canada February retail sales up 0.8% (Updates prices, adds comment)

* Strong U.S. retail sales boost dollar (Updates to afternoon trading in U.S. markets)

Stocks in Brazil rose on Thursday and were on track to end the week higher, led by gains in shares of financial companies as the real slipped against a strong dollar. MSCI's index of Latin American stocks edged up 0.2 percent in thin trade as markets in the region were closed for Holy Thursday.

Britain said it was concerned by new attempts by the United States to require foreign companies to abide by U.S. sanctions on Cuba that have been rejected by Britain and other European countries.

The Extinction Rebellion group of climate change campaigners will hold a protest at London's Heathrow Airport on Friday, the Press Association, a news agency, reported on Thursday, quoting a spokesman for the group.