Latest News
China credit growth adds to long-term risks, but no imminent 'hard-landing'
Credit growth in Asia’s largest economy slowed dramatically in February, but some economists warned that seasonal factors were at play in the statistics, exaggerating the extent of the slowdown, although strong lending added to the long-term risks in China's economy.
UBS cuts Acacia to 'neutral' on share price strength
UBS downgraded Acacia Mining to ‘neutral’ from ‘buy’ with an unchanged price target of 275p, as it highlighted recent share price strength and uncertainty over the Bulyanhulu mine.
Aurasian offer for Moroccan Minerals has 90% approval
Aurasian Minerals' offer for Moroccan Minerals went further into unconditional territory on Friday, with the company revealing it had received acceptance from shareholders representing 88. 95% of the outstanding shares.
N4 Pharma acquires range of drug formulation patents
N4 Pharma expanded its IP portfolio on Friday, its part-owner Onzima Ventures reported, acquiring the exclusive global rights to a range of patents from Opal IP, for new uses and formulations of a number of off-patent and soon to be off-patent drugs.
Forbidden Tech signs South African training deal
Forbidden Technologies said it has won a South African government contract to train 150 teachers and unemployed youths how to be video editors.
Deutsche Bank downgrades Restaurant Group on dilutive strategy
Deutsche Bank downgraded Restaurant Group to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ and slashed the price target to 525p from 690p.
US open: Stocks rally as oil prices edge higher
US stocks rallied on Friday as oil prices rose and data showed import prices fell less than expected last month.
FTSE 100 movers: Financials have the Friday feel-good factor
Traders and investors created an upbeat tone to the last session of the week as the FTSE 100 perked up in afternoon trade. The index of leading shares was up 1. 67% to 6,137 at 1415 GMT.
Obama critical of UK efforts in Libya; says Cameron was 'distracted'
The so-called "special relationship" between the UK and US came under scrutiny on Friday after American President Barack Obama criticised Britain's involvement in Libya, saying it failed to stop the North African state descending into "a mess".
FTSE 250 movers: Marshalls surges on results; Acacia slumps on UBS downgrade
London’s FTSE 250 index was up 1. 3% to 16,604. 10 at 1420 GMT, tracking the broader rally in markets as investors reassessed the implications of the European Central Bank’s additional stimulus measures.
New Zealand bans zero hours contracts
New Zealand's parliament on Friday banned the use of controversial zero-hours contracts.
US import prices fall less than expected in February
US import prices fell less than expected in February, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed.
Apartments builder Watkin Jones aims to raise £100m with AIM float
Student accommodation builder Watkin Jones has announced its plans to raise at least £100m in an AIM flotation as it looks to expand into the private rented sector.
Tesco joins zero-food waste movement
Tesco announced a new commitment to zero food waste on Friday, joining a number of other grocers already supporting food poverty charity FareShare.
Harrods boss Michael Ward said to step down this summer
The boss of Harrods will reportedly step down this summer after a decade at the helm of the world-famous Knightsbridge department store.
Sports Direct's Ashley accuses MPs of being 'antagonistic' over committee appearance
Under-fire Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has rounded on MPs trying to force him to appear before a commons select committee, accusing them of being "deliberately antagonistic".
US pre-open: Stocks set for positive open as oil rallies
Stocks on Wall Street looked set for solid gains at the open as oil prices rose and investors continued to digest the implications of the European Central’s Bank latest stimulus measures.
Deutsche Bank headcount, pay up despite deep loss
Deutsche Bank revealed an increase in staff pay and headcount in its annual results on Friday, even as it slumped to a multi-billion euro loss, though its bonuses were reined in significantly.
British Chambers of Commerce cuts UK growth forecasts
The UK economy is expected to grow less than previously estimated this year amid a global economic slowdown, the British Chambers of Commerce said on Friday.
UK consumer inflation expectations slow
British consumers expect prices of goods and services to rise more slowly during the next 12 months, with a Bank of England survey finding public expectations of UK inflation have fallen to 1. 8% from the previous 2%.