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OECD slashes UK growth forecast for 2017
Forecasts for UK growth have been halved by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, as weak trade and "financial distortions" slow down global economic growth in 2017.
Results round-up
Although first-half sales declined and the dividend was short of expectations, Saga beat analyst's profits forecasts and was confident the business is on track to meet its full year targets.
Transense Tech's full year pre-tax profit falls but in line with expectations.
Transense Technologies, a provider of sensor systems for industrial, mining and transportation markets, reported a rise in full year revenue but a decrease in pre-tax profit, although it was trading in line with expectations.
Thursday preview: Kier reports full year results
Kier Group reports its full year results on Thursday with analysts expecting an increase in earnings compared to a year earlier following the integration of the Mouchel business.
Centaur acquires Oystercatchers to expand marketing arm
Centaur Media, a multi-platform business information, insight and events group, has announced that it has agreed to acquire Oystercatchers for up to £3. 35m in cash and shares.
WTI oil futures rise on API data showing drawdown
Data revealing another unexpected drawdown in US crude oil inventories stoked gains in crude oil futures.
PRA warns against reserve releases by insurers to sustain earnings
UK insurers should avoid the urge to cut prices due to the increased risks arising from the low interest rate environment, the Prudential Regulation Authority's boss reportedly said.
European Commission sets out plans to scrap roaming charges
The European Commission said on Wednesday that it now wants to abolish roaming fees entirely, having previously suggested a limit on free mobile phone roaming.
Walcom confident despite China difficulties
Agricultural products and feed company Walcom posted its interim results for the six months to 30 June on Wednesday, keeping its head above water despite difficulties in its main market of mainland China.
MTI Wireless Edge wins new contract worth $0.7m
MTI Wireless Edge has secured a new contract from a new customer for the development and manufacturing of antenna solutions for a military application, worth about $0. 7m.
Fitbug interims healthier after focus swtiches to 'corporate wellness'
Fitbug reported a fall in first-half sales but said a strategy to focus on 'corporate wellness' rather than the retail sector had resulted in a near-halving of losses.
Study suggests fitness trackers not useful for weight-loss
Fitness tracking devices from the likes of Fitbit, Fitbug and Cloudtag may not actually provide any health benefits, according to new research from the US.
Inditex launches Zara in New Zealand
Inditex, the world’s biggest fashion group, is launching its flagship store Zara in Auckland New Zealand next month.
Europe midday: Banking stocks lead the charge after BoJ move; Fed eyed
European stocks rose, with banks leading the charge after the Bank of Japan stood pat on rates but tweaked its policy framework, as investors looked ahead to a policy announcement from the Federal Reserve.
London midday: Stocks gain as investors weigh BoJ policy, eye Fed
London stocks rose on Wednesday after the Bank of Japan altered its stimulus programme to spur growth.
Barclays upgrades Anglo American, Kaz as it reviews mining sector
Barclays upgraded Anglo American to ‘equalweight’ from ‘underweight’ and lifted the price target to 845p from 550p on strong valuation support and solid earnings momentum, particularly from the recent rally in coking coal which leaves the balance sheet in a much better position than the bank had expected.
Postal Savings Bank of China raises $7.6bn in IPO
The biggest initial public offering (IPO) since 2014 has seen the Postal Savings Bank of China set a lower than expected price of $7. 6bn, on the back of disappointing demand for the state-owned bank in the Hong Kong market.
Physiomics raises £555,000 after shelving BioMoti acquisition
AIM listed Physiomics has called off its BioMoti acquisition after investors instead backed plans to develop its modelling and simulation business with a £555,000 discounted fundraising.
Riksbank leans towards not renewing QE in December, minutes show
At least half of the Swedish central bank's rate-setters now believed there was no need to extend asset purchases past December, the minutes of its last policy meeting revealed.
Shepherd Neame serves up a solid set of results
Britain’s older brewer Shepherd Neame announced its results for the 52 weeks to 25 June on Wednesday, claiming a “record set of results” with impressive progress against its strategic objectives.