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US close: Stocks mostly lower ahead of non-farm payrolls report
US stocks finished mostly lower on Thursday after weak economic data as traders looked ahead to the non-farm payrolls report.
Commodities: Saudi Arabia hikes price for oil to Asia, Rio chief cautious
Crude oil futures ended the session higher after Saudi Arabia increased its prices for oil cargoes heading to Asia in June by the most since April 2015.
Bonds: Gilts outperform by wide margin
These were the moves in the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bond yields:.
FX round-up: Cable unfazed by data showing stalling economy
Cable finished the session flat despite a barrage of data which raised the possibility that uncertainty ahead of the Brexit referendum might bring economic growth to a halt.
Europe close: Stocks in holding pattern ahead of US jobs report
European stocks wavered as a rebound in oil prices was offset by a reluctance to make bold moves ahead of Friday’s non-farm payrolls report, amid thinner volumes due to holidays in Europe.
Friday preview: Investors eye US non-farm payrolls, some analysts wary
The US non-farm payrolls report will dominate Friday’s agenda with analysts expecting a slowdown in the number of jobs added in April.
1pm acquires vehicle lease book for £1.6m
Independent provider of finance facilities for the small-to-medium enterprise sector, 1pm, announced on Thursday that it has acquired a book of receivables for £1. 6m cash on completion through its wholly-owned subsidiary Academy Leasing.
Egyptian oil explorer SDX Energy to float on AIM
SDX Energy, an oil explorer and producer with assets in Egypt, is planning to float its shares on London's AIM market later in May after agreeing an US$11m fundraising.
Hotel Chocolat raises £55m in IPO
Hotel Chocolat achieved a £167m valuation in its initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange.
Small caps news round-up
Palm oil development and production company Equatorial Palm Oil announced on Thursday that its Liberian operation has signed a memorandum of understanding with designated community leaders over four key areas on its Palm Bay estate, to allow development to proceed. The AIM-traded firm said the MOU was signed between its EPO Liberia division, community elders, leaders and residents of Tarlo Town, Blayah Town, Nuhn Town and Qlakpojelay.
Legendary Investments completes £1m placing
Legendary Investments had some extra cash in the bank on Thursday, announcing it has raised £1m before expenses through an oversubscribed placing of 333,333,333 ordinary shares of 10p nominal value each, at a price of 0. 3p per new share.
Equatorial Palm Oil signs MOU with Liberian communities
Palm oil development and production company Equatorial Palm Oil announced on Thursday that its Liberian operation has signed a memorandum of understanding with designated community leaders over four key areas on its Palm Bay estate, to allow development to proceed.
London close: FTSE ends flat as traders weigh economic data and earnings
The FTSE 100 finished flat on Thursday as traders digested economic data and mixed corporate earnings.
Thursday newspaper share tips: IAG, BHP Billiton
IAG and Ryanair continue to be in another league versus their continental peers such Air France- KLM and Lufthansa, the Financial Times’s Lex column said.
Director dealings: RSA's Hester shows confidence in turnaround
RSA Insurance chief executive Stephen Hester bought almost £0. 5m worth of shares in the company just after first quarter results from the company showed his turnaround plan appeared to be working.
Investec upgrades Greggs and eyes 1,250p price
Investec initiated overage of Greggs with a 'buy' rating ahead of the fast-food group's first-quarter results next Monday.
Churchill Mining still in the dark over Indonesia disengagement
Churchill Mining was still in the dark as to a the recent disengagement by Indonesia in ongoing arbitration on Thursday, though it was pleased the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes had received Indonesia’s share of the fifth advance payment - albeit significantly late.
Broker tips: Centrica, Stagecoach, National Grid
Centrica's shares fell as HSBC retained its ‘hold’ rating on the stock, citing a risk of a credit downgrade by Moody’s from Baa1 to Baa2.
KFC takes 'finger lickin' good' to another level with edible nail polish
Fried chicken behemoth KFC has taken the phrase ‘finger lickin’ good’ to another level by launching two edible nail polishes as part of a marketing campaign in Hong Kong.
US open: Stocks rise as oil prices gain and investors await non-farm payrolls
US stocks rose on Thursday as oil prices gained and traders looked ahead to Friday’s non-farm payrolls report.