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Europe midday: Miners pace the decline as dollar firms on US rate hike expectations
European stocks nudged lower as expectations grew that the Federal Reserve will hike rates possibly as early as next month, with basic resources dented by a stronger dollar.
US hikes tariffs on Chinese steel, China
The US has slapped a 522% tariff on steel imported from China amid ongoing claims the world's biggest steel producer is distorting the global market by cheaply dumping its excess supply abroad.
Spire Healthcare deputy chairman to step down
Spire Healthcare’s deputy chairman and senior independent director John Gildersleeve will stand down from the board for personal reasons.
US pre-open: Stocks seen flat as investors eye Fed minutes
US futures pointed to a flat open on Wall Street, with investors likely to err on the side of caution ahead of the latest Federal Reserve minutes.
Asia report: Most markets down, NZX reaches new record
Most markets in Asia ended Wednesday lower, as investors closed their wallets and played the waiting game as concerns grew that the US Federal Reserve may hike interest rates soon, with its April meeting minutes due on Wednesday night.
StanChart slides as Jefferies cuts target price, lowers guidance
Standard Chartered’s shares fell on Wednesday after Jefferies cut its target price to 330p from 400p and reiterated an ‘underperform’ rating on the Asia-focused bank.
Berenberg starts Just Eat at 'buy'
Berenberg initiated coverage of Just Eat at ‘buy’ with a 530p price target, pointing to a compelling valuation.
Booker boosted by Goldman upgrade
Food wholesale operator Booker got a boost after Goldman Sachs upgraded the stock to ‘buy’ from ‘neutral’ and lifted the price target to 198p from 171p ahead of the company’s full-year results on Thursday.
Eurozone dips back into deflation, as estimated
Data from Eurostat on Wednesday confirmed the Eurozone fell back into deflation in April.
UBM upbeat as large event growth offsets blips
UBM said it was on track to hit full year targets despite some weakness in smaller shows.
UK employment rises more than expected, ONS says
The UK added more jobs to the economy than forecast in the three months to March while wage growth unexpectedly accelerated, official data showed on Wednesday.
Genus announces collaboration with Caribou Biosciences
Genus announced a strategic collaboration with US-based Caribou Biosciences that will give the London-listed animal genetics group exclusive license to Caribou’s gene editing technology platform.
Playtech momentum continues into 2016, chairman says
As investors in gambling software developer Playtech gathered for its annual general meeting on Wednesday, chairman Alan Jackson spoke of the company’s momentum continuing into the current financial year.
Hungry airline passengers drive growth at SSP Group
Travel food and beverage operator SSP Group revealed impressive first-half growth on Wednesday, with operating profit up 28% at constant currency and 22. 6% at actual exchange rates to £30. 9m in the six months to 31 March.
Marshalls revenue growth slows as clients hold off on orders
Marshalls tumbled on Wednesday after the FTSE 250 landscape products group reported a slowdown in revenue growth in a trading update for the four months ended 30 April.
Returns up, profits down at HICL Infrastructure
Private finance initiative investor HICL Infrastructure described a “solid portfolio performance” in its full-year numbers on Wednesday, with net asset value per share improving 4% in the year to 31 March to 142. 2p.
Assura posts significant uptick in underlying numbers
Primary care property investor and developer Assura posted a significant uptick in underlying earnings on Wednesday, with underlying profit before tax improving 78% to £28. 3m in its preliminary results.
Marston's swings to profit in first half
FTSE 250 pub group Marston’s swung to a profit in the first half on surging revenue, as the company opened new pubs.
Galliford Try wins student housing projects worth £102m
Housebuilding and construction group Galliford Try announced a new contract for its building division on Wednesday, confirming it has been selected as the preferred builder for two new major projects in the student accommodation sector.
London open: Stocks fall ahead of UK jobs data, FOMC minutes
London stocks were in the red on Wednesday ahead of the release of UK jobs data and the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting minutes.