Latest News
China's top securities regulator said to step down
The head of China’s securities regulator, Xiao Gang, is reportedly stepping down to be succeeded by the chairman of Agricultural Bank of China, Liu Shiyu.
Sports Direct drops as Jefferies urges Ashley to take company private
Sports Direct was under the cosh on Friday as Jefferies slashed its price target on the stock to 550p from 800p and called on founder Mike Ashley to take the company private.
FTSE 250 movers: Invidior slump pulls index lower
The FTSE 250 was down slightly in afternoon trade as investors and traders wound down for the weekend. The mid-cap index was 0. 28% lower at 16,130. 95 at 1315 GMT.
FTSE 100 movers: Sports Direct slumps on Jefferies note; Coca-Colla rallies
London’s FTSE 100 index was down 0. 5% to 5,940. 99 at 1325 GMT, tracking broader weakness in the markets as investors booked some profits.
UBS believes Eurozone can avoid macro-slowdown
Current market pricing was suggesting investors were overly pessimistic on the risk of Europe entering a "major macro-slowdown", having taken a more negative view towards the severity of the problems within the financial sector, UBS said on Friday.
Investec initiates BBA Aviation at 'buy'
Investec initiated its coverage on BBA Aviation with a ‘buy’ rating and a target price of 225p on Friday.
Legendary Investments celebrates milestones at Virtualstock
Legendary Investments was celebrating further milestones at one of its investments on Friday, announcing the continued expansion of Virtualstock (VS) in the retail sector.
Vela Technologies investment in combination negotiations
Vela Technologies was starting to see the fruits of its investment in one of its more recent targets on Friday, with Vancouver-based blockchain technology developer BTL Group combining with one of its partners.
Broker tips: Segro, Tullow Oil, BBA Aviation
Segro’s shares climbed on Friday as Investec reiterated a ‘buy’ rating, hailing the company’s full year results.
Gresham House establishes new forestry fund
A complex transaction was being undertaken by Gresham House on Friday, as the company announced its intention to establish a new fund for institutional, family office and professional investors, to be advised by its subsidiary Aitchesse Ltd.
US pre-open: Futures point to weaker open as oil slides again
US futures pointed to a slightly weaker open on Wall Street on Friday, with investors likely to book a few profits after three days of gains as oil prices declined.
Results round-up
Standard Life bucked volatile global markets to post a 9% rise in pre-tax operating profits to £665m with a £38m reduction in the spread/risk margin and diluted operating EPS of 26. 1p.
Iraqi Kurdistan authorises $12m Gulf Keystone payment
Gulf Keystone Petroleum said on Friday the Kurdistan Regional government has authorised a gross payment of $15m - $12m net – to the group for crude exports from the Shaikan field.
Milestone launches MusicRoo platform, issues new equity
Milestone Group was moving from a phase of development to one of active trading on Friday, launching the MusicRoo streaming platform in partnership with Australian company Black Cactus Holdings, and announcing an issue of equity.
DDD Group signs software distribution deal with AVerMedia
AIM-listed imaging company DDD Group said its GenMe subsidiary had signed a distribution agreement for its TriDef SmartCam software with Taiwan-based multimedia specialist AVerMedia Technologies.
ITV gets ministerial approval for UTV acquisition
Broadcaster ITV has received ministerial approval for its acquisition of UTV Media’s television assets.
London midday: Stocks decline as oil prices slide
London stocks declined as better-than-expected UK retail sales data failed to offset another drop in oil prices.
Wood Group to cut UK contractor pay by 9%
Wood Group PSN, a division of energy services company Wood Group, plans to cut the pay of around 200 North Sea contractors by 9% as weak oil prices take their toll.
Europe midday: Stocks push lower on profit-taking as oil slides
European stocks were weaker by midday following a choppy start, as investors booked profits at the end of a week that saw solid gains.
Investec reiterates 'buy' rating for Segro after full year results
Segro’s shares climbed on Friday as Investec reiterated a ‘buy’ rating, hailing the company’s full year results.