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Sector movers: Defensives lead the pack
Defensive issues did best as yields on longer-term Gilts staged a partial retreat ahead of the weekend and after the previous session's sharp Fed-induced jump.
Fed needs to hike rates more than three times in 2017, Lacker says
The president of the Federal Reserve bank of Richmond said more than three interest rates hikes would be needed in 2017.
Sharp decline in US housing starts for November
A key gauge of activity in the US homebuilding sector weakened in November as ground was broken on a much lower number of multi-unit properties.
Europe close: Stocks end week on the front foot
European stocks were flat and government bond yields lower in quiet trade after Thursday’s session saw investors react to rate announcements from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England.
Saudi Arabia to modify financial strategy due to Trump - WSJ
A shifting of the political plates in the United States has led to a reconsideration of Saudi Arabia's financial strategy, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
London close: FTSE gains as investors continue to mull policy decisions
The FTSE 100 finished Friday in the green, holding onto gains from the previous session on the back of the Bank of England and Federal Reserve’s policy announcements.
Small cap round-up
Work Group updated the market on its progress in finding a suitable acquisition to fulfil its stated investment strategy on Friday. The AIM-traded firm’s chairman said it entered into a memorandum of understanding on an opportunity for the potential acquisition of a group of companies in the business services sector, and that extensive due diligence had been on-going for some time.
12-year-old was directed by Islamic State to plant bomb in German Christmas market
A Christmas market in Germany was the subject of an attempted bombing by a 12-year-old boy, German prosecutors said on Friday.
Directors dealings: Sound Energy boss, non-exec pick up shares
Sound Energy's boss, James Parsons, added to his stake in the Africa and Europe-focused upstream gas outfit.
Bilby boosts revenue in first half
Gas heating, electrical and building services provider and holding company Bilby issued its interim results for the six months to 30 September on Friday, with revenues increasing 159% to £30. 07m.
Conygar Investment Company sees net asset value slip
Conygar Investment Company announced its results for the year to 30 September on Friday, with net asset value per share of 196. 9p, a 3. 2% decrease.
Work Group shares suspended as it heads towards reverse takeover
Work Group updated the market on its progress in finding a suitable acquisition to fulfil its stated investment strategy on Friday.
Danone's takeover of WhiteWave Foods gains European clearance
Paris-based yogurt maker Danone’s $10. 4bn takeover of US organic food company WhiteWave Foods, its biggest deal in a decade, was approved by the European Commission on Friday.
US pharmaceuticals face price fixing lawsuits
Twenty states in the United States have filed lawsuits against a number of pharmaceutical companies over accusations of price fixing in the industry.
Russia challenges US to back up hacking claims with proof
The Unites States should put up, or shut up, according to a spokesperson for the Kremlin, as the dispute over allegations of Russian meddling in US elections rumbles on.
Angus Energy signs sale agreement with Terrain
Angus Energy announced on Friday that it signed a sale agreement with Terrain Energy to acquire a 10% interest in the Brockham oil field, increasing its interest in the licence from 55% to 65%.
Week ahead: Brexit back on the agenda
All things Brexit would continue to be in focus over the coming week, with Prime Minister Theresa May set to be grilled on the subject by a panel at Parliament on Tuesday.
Results round-up
Polar Capital Technology Trust reported a 41. 2% increase in net assets to £1. 13bn at the half-year stage.
Ortac Resources narrows loss as it strives towards revenue
Exploration and development company Ortac Resources announced its unaudited financial results for the six months to 30 September on Friday - a period in which it recorded nil revenue, but did narrow its loss before tax to £0. 25m from £0. 34m.