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Commodities: Saudi Arabia not bent on flooding oil markets, reports say
Gains in energy and agricultural futures offset losses in metals, with the former boosted by reports that Saudi Arabia´s new energy minister would seek to mend fences with other producer countries at Thursday´s OPEC ministerial meeting.
US close: Stocks inch into green as Beige Book meets mixed data
US stocks inched higher on Wednesday as oil prices yo-yoed and the Federal Reserve's 'Beige Book' noted tight labor markets and growing price pressure.
Shire rated 'outperform' by Credit Suisse ahead of Baxalta tie-up
Credit Suisse has reiterated its 'outperform' rating on Shire Pharmaceuticals, along with a target of 5000p, ahead of its proposed $32 billion acquisition of Baxalta closing on 3 June.
Bonds: Gilts jump as investors remain cautious ahead of Brexit referendum
These were the movements in some of the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bond yields:.
Miners, telecoms lead falls
Shares of telecommunications and mining outfits led fallers on the market at the start of June, as investors chose to take profits ahead of several key risk events scheduled over the next two days, including the outcome of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries´s ministerial meeting the next day and Friday´s monthly US jobs report.
FX round-up: Sterling dives as nervy traders flee on renewed Brexit fears
Nervy traders dumped sterling against most major crosses today as revitalised fears of Britain voting to leave the European Union on 23 June pulsed through the market.
Wednesday newspaper share tips: Alliance Trust, Hill & Smith
Managers at Alliance Trust face a familiar set of battle lines this year after investment trust RIT Capital's informal approach, write the Financial Times' Lex column.
No CEOs, no managers, no workers; how one startup is looking to the future of business
An exciting new startup has received $130 million in investment funds with a daring new concept. The DAO, according to Quartz, is "designed to serve as a kind of venture capital fund for the cryptocurrency community, the first of a new breed in business".
Europe close: Stocks get off to weak start in June
European stocks got off to a weak start in June amid mixed Chinese data, a warning from the OECD, lower oil prices and caution ahead of some key events.
Small caps news round-up
Finland-focussed diamond exploration company Karelian Diamond Resources announced on Wednesday that the diamond mining permit for the recently-acquired Lahtojoki project has been formally transferred from A&G Mining Oy, along with all of the claim reports and additional technical material. The AIM-traded company said transfer approval from the Finnish Safety and Chemical Agency was also received.
Thursday preview: ECB announces policy decision
The European Central Bank announces its latest policy decision on Thursday with analysts expecting no changes to key rates or the asset purchase programme.
London close: FTSE ends lower as OECD cuts UK economic forecast
The FTSE 100 closed lower on Wednesday after the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cut its UK economic forecasts.
LSE, Deutsche Börse see 1,250 jobs cuts after merger
Up to 1,250 jobs will be axed in the £20bn merger between the London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Börse, according to the merger prospectus published on Wednesday.
Karelian receives Lahtojoki licences
Finland-focussed diamond exploration company Karelian Diamond Resources announced on Wednesday that the diamond mining permit for the recently-acquired Lahtojoki project has been formally transferred from A&G Mining Oy, along with all of the claim reports and additional technical material.
Global smartphone shipments to see an even sharper drop in 2016, IDC says
Shipments of smartphones globally were now expected to see an even sharper slowdown in 2016, led by outright falls in mature markets such as Japan and China, one of the industry´s top researchers said.
Results round-up
Halfords full year numbers were largely flat but ahead of market expectations as new chief executive Jill McDonald claimed to be making progress with her Moving Up A Gear strategy, announcing new capital and debt targets "to allow for appropriate M&A".
Broker tips: De La Rue, Prudential, Royal Mail
De La Rue’s shares fell on Wednesday after Numis cut its rating on the stock to ‘hold’ from ‘add but raised its target price to 580p from 563p.
US open: Stocks fall as OECD lower US economic forecast
US stocks fell on Wednesday as oil prices dipped and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) lowered its US economic forecast.
5 factors that could endanger world economy progress
The strength of the global economy has been called into question in recent times, and there are many economists who warn of turbulence that could affect growth in developed and emerging markets. The scenario is complex from the point of view of economic and political standpoints. Raw materials, the fragile recovery in Europe, the different electoral events and policies of the central banks are worrying investors and economists. These are the five main factors to be taken into account:.
Brazilian GDP falls by less than expected in the first quarter
Brazil´s economy continued to shrink at the start of the year with private consumption registering a steep drop, but some economists were optimistic that the worst may now lie behind.