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Asia report: Japan stocks hit lowest level since 2014
Stocks in Japan hit their lowest levels since 2014 on Wednesday, as investors in the region remained worried about the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans, and the general health of the global banking sector.
Milestone payday for Vectura on new asthma therapy
Vectura Group's inhaler and formulation technology received a boost on Wednesday, with the completion of a significant milestone on the development of the VR315 product.
Victrex remains confident despite tough trading in first quarter
Tough trading conditions were proving a challenge for Victrex in its first quarter, although the company said in a trading statement that it remained confident in its longer term prospects.
Greene King's third quarter sales boosted by festive season
Greene King has posted a strong third quarter book, boosted by strong Christmas sales.
Great Portland Estates enters 2016 in strong position
Great Portland Estates remained in a strong position heading into the new year, with the real estate investment trust updating the market on its activities in the three months to 31 December on Wednesday.
London open: Stocks gain ahead of Yellen's testimony
UK stocks rose on Wednesday as investors brushed off concerns about the health of the world's economy and the state of the banking system.
Europe open: Stocks bounce back as investors eye Yellen's testimony
European stocks pushed higher in early trade, bouncing back from heavy losses in the previous session as investors sifted through a slew of earnings and looked to Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen’s testimony before Congress.
Electrocomponents on track for cost savings as it reports mixed trading
Electrocomponents said underlying sales grew 2% in the four months to the end of January amid a mixed performance, and the company remains on track to deliver its targeted £25m annualised savings.
Atkins remains stable despite some trading headwinds
WS Atkins continued to trade in line with expectations in the three months from 1 October 2015, the company's fiscal third quarter, despite difficulties in some markets.
Kier Group awarded extension to Surrey highways contract
Kier Group's road maintenance contract with Surrey County Council has been extended.
Qinetiq reaffirms guidance but warns defence market "uncertain"
Qinetiq reaffirmed its guidance for the full year but cautioned the UK defence market remains uncertain.
Bellway on target for 10% full year volume growth
Housebuilder Bellway reported strong growth in first half housing completions and said it remains on target to deliver a 10% rise in full year volumes.
London pre-open: All eyes on Yellen, negative bond yields
Markets were expected to tread water at the start of trading on Wednesday, as investors waited on a speech by the chair of the US Federal Reserve, Janet Yellen, later in the day.
Hikma cuts cash consideration for Roxane by £370m
Hikma Pharmaceutical's takeover of Roxane Laboratories took on a new shape on Wednesday, with the cash consideration being almost halved off the back of significantly lower revenue projections.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Deutsche Bank, UBS, Royal Mail, oil
Deutsche Bank is considering buying back several billion euros of its debt, as Germany’s biggest bank steps up efforts to shore up the tumbling value of its securities against the backdrop of a broader rout of financial stocks. After European banks suffered a second consecutive day of sharp falls, Deutsche Bank is expected to focus its emergency buyback plan on senior bonds, of which it has about €50bn in issue, according to the bank. The move was unlikely to involve so-called contingent convertible bonds [cocos] which, along with the bank’s shares, have been the butt of a brutal investor sell-off in recent days, people briefed on the plan said.
ARM stays strong, Hikma halves deal dues
London open City traders expect not much change from the FTSE 100 when it opens on Wednesday, after the falls in Europe the day before and an almost flat session in the US.