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Europe close: Stocks erase early losses to finish flat
European stocks finished flat on Wednesday, with investors turning cautious after markets hit a two-month high the previous session, though earlier losses were erased by the close of play.
London close: Stocks mixed on higher-than-expected UK inflaton
London stocks ended Wednesday on a mixed note as investors digested hotter-than-expected UK inflation figures and monitored rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Thursday preview: BT's annual results in focus
Full-year results from telecoms titan BT will be the headline-grabbing event of the day on Thursday, with investors keen to find out whether Allison Kirby's profitability drive has paid off.
FTSE 100 movers: Marks & Spencer gains after results; JD Sports in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was flat at 8,785. 23 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
US open: Stocks fall as Target and Lowe's disappoint
US stocks opened Wednesday's session firmly in the red on the back of another rise in bond yields, while earnings from economic bellwethers Target and Lowe's disappointed.
Director dealings: Likewise, STV insiders make investments
Among the companies disclosing director dealings to the London market on Wednesday were Likewise Group and STV Group, with insiders at both firms purchasing shares.
Central Asia Metals agrees acquisition of Australia's New World Resources
Central Asia Metals announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to acquire the Sydney-listed New World Resources for AUD 185m (£88. 74m), securing full ownership of the high-grade Antler copper project in Arizona.
US mortgage applications fall as rates hit three-month high
Applications for mortgages in the US slumped last week as the average long-term mortgage rate hit its highest in three months, according to data out on Wednesday from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Mortgage Advice Bureau trading positively
Mortgage Advice Bureau said in an update on Wednesday that trading in early 2025 continued to build on the increased activity seen in late 2024, supported by declining mortgage rates and stronger purchase demand.
Broker tips: Babcock, Phoenix Group
JPMorgan Cazenove lifted its price target on Babcock on Wednesday to 1,100p from 1,000p as it said the next five years are looking "very exciting".
Pantheon Resources suspends Megrez-1 well
Pantheon Resources announced the suspension of its Megrez-1 well on Alaska’s North Slope on Wednesday, after flow testing produced more than 2,000 barrels of liquid per day but no significant oil or gas.
Greencoat Renewables gets approval for secondary Johannesburg listing
Greencoat Renewables announced on Wednesday that it has secured approval for a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange's Alternative Exchange (AltX), with trading set to start on 9 June.
JD Sports shares slump on fears US price hikes could hit demand
Shares in JD Sports slumped on Wednesday as it warned that US demand could be hit with customers facing higher prices due to US President Donald Trump's tariff polices and revealed a 2% fall in underlying sales amid a “volatile” market.
Target misses forecasts, cuts guidance
Target cut its full-year guidance on Wednesday, weighing on the shares, after the US retail giant missed first-quarter forecasts.
JPMorgan lifts Babcock price target, says next 5 years look ‘very exciting’
JPMorgan Cazenove lifted its price target on Babcock on Wednesday to 1,100p from 1,000p as it said the next five years are looking "very exciting".
House prices climb as rent rises slow - ONS
UK house prices jumped in March, official data showed on Wednesday, while growth in private rents continued to slow.
London midday: Stocks nudge lower as investors mull inflation data
London stocks had nudged into the red by midday on Wednesday following the release of higher-than-expected UK inflation data and amid tensions in the Middle East.
Europe midday: Shares down on MEast tension, Trump trade, tax policies
European shares were lower on Wednesday amid geopolitical tensions and worries about the size of US debt as President Donald Trump’s tax and spending Bill nears a vote, while a hot UK inflation reading also dampened sentiment.
Zigup expects FY results to beat market forecasts
Truck rental and mobility services firm Zigup said it ended its financial year strongly, with results ahead of market expectations.