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US close: Stocks end flat as investors digest bank earnings, jobs data
US stocks ended little changed on Thursday as investors digested key bank earnings and jobs data that suggested some resilience in the labour market.
Commodities: Iranian oil shipments rose sharply in April, report says
There was a soft tone to the commodities patch on Thursday as the US dollar strengthened for another session, egged on by the unexpected decision taken by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to shift towards a ‘neutral’ zero per cent rate of appreciation in its currency.
Sector movers: Homebuilders continue lower, with Brexit and political uncertainty in focus
The drag from homebuilders saw the top flight index underperform its peers both in the States and over on the Continent, as the Bank of England sounded a cautious note about the impact that the referendum on EU membership might have on the sector, coinciding with a flurry of downbeat remarks from analysts.
Europe close: Shares track oil price higher
European stocks closed near their session-highs on Thursday, as oil prices recovered after an initial feint lower and as investors sifted through some disappointing corporate news.
Phorm finally fizzles out, leaving shareholders with nought
Phorm's controversial time on the stock market stumbled toward an ignominious end on Thursday as the notorious money-pit failed to find further funding, its nominated adviser Strand Hanson threw in the towel and a winding-up process began.
Friday preview: China economic growth data in focus
China’s economic growth data for the first quarter will be in the spotlight on Friday amid concerns about the nation’s slowdown.
Director dealings: Tesco chairman shows support
Tesco chairman John Allan dipped into the market to show his confidence in the turnaround as shown in the grocer's final results, although with the shares on the slide he would have saved himself several thousand if he'd waited until Thursday.
Small caps round-up
Diamond development company Firestone Diamonds revealed its Liqhobong Diamond Mine project was getting closer to completion on Thursday. It was a joint venture, with Firestone holding 75% and the Government of Lesotho 25%.
London close: Stocks flat as BoE warns over Brexit
The FTSE 100 was flat at the closing bell on Thursday after the Bank of England voted unanimously to keep interest rates unchanged, citing concerns about the European Union referendum.
High-level changes at Motif Bio
Motif Bio made some high-level changes on Thursday, appointing Pete Meyers as chief financial officer and Dr Rajesh Shukla as vice president, clinical operations.
US open: Stocks mixed as inflation slows
US stocks were mixed on Thursday as inflation unexpectedly slowed in March.
FX round-up: Pound, PacificRim currencies weaker
Cable lost its footing again after the Monetary Policy Committee called attention to the risks for the economy – and for asset prices and the pound specifically – if the ‘leave’ camp is successful in its bid for the UK to abandon the European Union.
Firestone edges closer to production at Liqhobong
Diamond development company Firestone Diamonds revealed its Liqhobong Diamond Mine project was getting closer to completion on Thursday.
Petards expands police market with QRO takeover
Petards Group expanded its presence in the law enforcement market on Thursday, announcing the full acquisition of QRO Solutions for a maximum consideration of £1. 26m.
Sierra Rutile raises £14m in share placing
Sierra Rutile had an extra £14m to play with on Thursday, completing a share placing with both new and existing institutional investors.
House prices expected to ease ahead of Brexit vote, RICS survey shows
Britain’s housing market is expected to ease in the lead up to the 23 June referendum on the nation’s European Union membership, a survey revealed on Thursday.
Thursday newspaper share tips: Tesco, WH Smith
Management at Tesco is optimistic and it may be right, the Financial Times’s Lex column said.
FTSE 250 movers: Takeover talks send Entertainment One higher
The FTSE 250 was trading down on Thursday afternoon, after a unanimous Bank of England decision to keep interest rates steady for the 85th month in a row.
Shareholders vote against BP boss's pay
BP shareholders have voted against the proposed £13. 8m pay award for chief executive Bob Dudley after a year of huge losses, with the oil giant pledging to consult with major shareholders and make a new proposal.
FTSE 100 movers: Johnson Matthey gains on upgrade; Burberry out of fashion
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 1% to 6,371. 35 in afternoon trade as investors paused for breath after Wednesday’s gains and digested the Bank of England’s decision to stand pat on rates.