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US close: Stocks mixed as traders mull slate of economic data
US stocks were mixed on Thursday as oil prices continued to rally and as investors sifted through economic data.
Directors dealings: Speedy Hire's finance chief splashes out
Speedy Hire's finance chief splashed out £50,632. 93 on 117,751 shares of the equipment and tool rental group.
Europe close: Stocks slip as government bond yields continue rising
European stocks slipped as government bond yields were pushed higher by a recent string of solid economic data together with a jump in the price of crude oil on international markets after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries announced a production cut during the previous session.
S&P Global upgrades Anglo American's long-term debt to 'BB+'
S&P Global upgraded mining company Anglo American's long-term debt to ‘BB+’ from ‘BB’ and raised its South Africa national scale rating to 'zaA/zaA-1 from 'zaBBB+/zaA-2' with a stable outlook for both.
London close: FTSE ends lower as UK manufacturing growth slows, pound jumps
The FTSE 100 finished Thursday’s session on the back foot after data showed a slowdown in UK manufacturing activity growth due to a weaker pound stoking price pressures.
Sector movers: Industrial Engineers up despite tough end markets
Another day of solid gains for crude oil futures boosted the oil patch again.
FTSE 250 movers: Oil stocks surged while gold miners were in the red
The FTSE 250 index fell 0. 44% to 17,467. 88 in the late afternoon.
Small cap round up
AIM-listed property developer Watkin Jones has forward sold developments in Cardiff and Belfast to institutional investors in student accommodation for an undisclosed fee. Chief executive Mark Watkin Jones said: the disposals underpins the company’s earnings and cashflow, while interest in the sector remains “strong”.
Ryanair launches package holiday service
Low cost airline Ryanair has launched a package holiday service whereby customers can pick flights, accommodation and transfer packages on its website.
Netflix users can now download content to watch when offline
Video streaming service Netflix has answered the prayers of millions of its users by introducing a new feature which allows them to download episodes of series and films so they can watch them when they are not connected to the internet.
US construction spending at seven-month high in October
Spending in the construction sector in the United States rose at its strongest pace in seven months, boosted by activity in the residential sector.
US ISM manufacturing improves more than expected
Growth in the US economy’s manufacturing sector improved more than expected in November, according to the US Institute for Supply Management.
Broker tips: Dixons Carphone, Wizz Air, TalkTalk
Dixons Carphone racked up some healthy gains on Thursday as Credit Suisse initiated coverage of the stock at ‘outperform’ with a 12-month 420p price target, implying a one-year total shareholder return of 30%.
Results round-up
Grainger’s full-year profits rose as it secured £389m of investment and sold non-core businesses as part of its growth strategy.
US open: Stocks mostly down after Wednesday's OPEC gains
US equity markets were mostly down on Thursday, as investors digested the deal reached by OPEC members to cap oil production in a bid to push up prices.
Clinigen and Eisai launch breast cancer treatment in South Africa
Pharmaceutical companies Clinigen and Eisai launched an advanced breast cancer treatment for women in South Africa called Halaven (eribulin).
Friday preview: Berkeley Group's first half earnings, US non-farm payrolls
Berkeley Group is expected to report healthy growth in first half earnings on Friday as the property developer benefits from continued high demand and margins.
AirBnB tightens accommodation regulations in major cities
Home-sharing website AirBnB has introduced new limits on the number of nights for which guests can book accommodation, as it faces pressure from city councils and national governments.
Markit US manufacturing PMI ticks up in November
Manufacturing activity grew more than initially estimated in November, according to data released on Thursday.
Credit Suisse starts Dixons Carphone at 'outperform'
Dixons Carphone racked up some healthy gains on Thursday as Credit Suisse initiated coverage of the stock at ‘outperform’ with a 12-month 420p price target, implying a one-year total shareholder return of 30%.