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Defensives lead bounce in stocks
Defensive issues led the market’s bounce higher at the end of the week, with those sectors which stood to gain the most from a vote by Britons to remain in the UK pacing gains on the top flight index.
Bank of England policymaker Forbes warns of EU referendum 'fog'
Bank of England policymaker Kristin Forbes said it was unclear whether uncertainty stemming from the UK's looming in-out vote from the EU was entirely behind softening economic data in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Britain's bookies slash odds on UK remaining in EU - report
Britain's high-street bookies are slashing the odds of the UK voting to remain in the EU, with an overwhelming number of punters now betting a Brexit will not happen, a report says.
FX round-up: Yen intervention centre stage as G7 meets
The bullish three-week run-up of Japan's yen against the US dollar was interrupted on Friday as a marked divide in the currency policies governing the pair opened at the G7 meeting.
Europe close: Stocks bounce back led by defensive issues
European stocks rose on Friday, bouncing back from the Fed-fuelled losses of the previous session, led by gains in defensive issues such as health care stocks.
Small caps news round-up
Mercia Technologies announced on Friday that its portfolio company nDreams has been appointed by Google as one of the first developers alongside EA Games and Ubisoft to make apps and experiences for mobile virtual reality platform Daydream. The AIM-traded firm, which says it focuses on the creation, funding and scaling of businesses with high growth potential, holds a 40% equity stake in nDreams.
Friday newspaper share tips: National Grid and Ricardo
Shares in National Grid are good to hold in portfolios because of their attractive yield, and the prospect of additional income further down the track, said The Times' Tempus column today.
London close: Stocks finish higher as housebuilders rally
London stocks finished higher on Friday, supported by a pick-up in housebuilders as Brexit fears eased.
Directors dealings: Howden Joinery boss takes some money off the table
Howden Joinery’s chief cut his stake in the company even after it recently reported stable trading conditions over the first 16 weeks of 2016, assuaging some market watchers’ concerns that it might be impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming 23 June referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union.
Mercia investment in nDreams paying off
Mercia Technologies announced on Friday that its portfolio company nDreams has been appointed by Google as one of the first developers alongside EA Games and Ubisoft to make apps and experiences for mobile virtual reality platform Daydream.
Hydro International reveals possible suitor
A rapid share price rise over the last few days forced Hydro International to issue a statement on Friday, revealing that it has been approached as a potential acquisition candidate.
TomCo borrows £0.15m from its own CEO
Oil mining company TomCo Energy announced on Friday that it has entered into an agreement with its own CEO, Chris Brown, to provide £0. 15m by way of a loan convertible into ordinary shares.
William Hill launches £350m corporate bond
William Hill announced the launch of a £350m corporate bond to institutional investors with a coupon of 4. 875% to refinance its existing debt and for general corporate purposes.
Rolls-Royce's credit rating cut on profitability, cash-flow pressure
Rolls-Royce's long-term corporate credit and related debt have been lowered to 'A-/A-2', from 'A/A-1' by S&P Global Ratings, which cited profitability and cash-flow generation pressure in reaching its verdict.
Bonds: Central banks looking to the medium-term
Bond markets were little changed on Thursday despite more hawkish than usual remarks from one of the US central bank's, the Federal Reserve, rate-setters this year.
US open: Stocks rebound as oil prices waver
US stocks rebounded on Friday from the previous day’s slump as investors’ nerves eased after the Federal Reserve’s hawkish meeting minutes.
US existing home sales rise more than expected in April
Sales of existing US homes rose 1. 7% in April to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5. 45m from an upwardly-revised 5. 36m the previous month, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
FTSE 250 movers: Ladbrokes rallies while Spectris trips
The FTSE 250 was solidly in the green in afternoon trading on Friday, taking its lead from a mining boost at its big brother the FTSE 100.
FTSE 100 movers: Coca-Cola rallies on Citi upgrade; housebuilders advance
London’s FTSE 100 was up 1. 5% to 6,143. 38 in afternoon trading, bouncing back from losses suffered in the previous session amid concerns the Federal Reserve might hike interest rates as early as June.