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US central bank nearly where it wants to be, Fed's Fischer says
A top US central bank official voiced confidence on the economic outlook and the expected path for future interest rate hikes, but shied away from providing precise guidance.
AstraZeneca partner Valeant gets US FDA approval for Siliq injection
AstraZeneca's partner Valeant Pharmaceuticals has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for the Siliq injection to treat adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Results round-up: Coca-Cola, Drax, Lancashire Holdings
Drinks bottler Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company upped its dividend 10% after a calendar year that saw flat volumes and a dip in sales due to currency but much improved profits thanks to improved costs and efficiencies.
More misery pending as Aslef rejects Go-Ahead's Southern deal
Members of the Aslef union have rejected a deal with the Southern passenger train brand, which would have spelt the end to a long-running and painful dispute on the rails in southern London and the South of England.
FTSE 250 movers: Cobham tanks on warning; challengers boosted by Panmure note
London’s FTSE 250 was down 0. 5% to 18,724. 63 in afternoon trade, with Cobham taking a beating after another profit warning.
FTSE 100 movers: Shire gains on results; ex-divs weigh
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% to 7,284. 98 in afternoon trade as ex-dividend stocks weighed on the index.
Philly Fed index surges to 43.3 in February
Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region unexpectedly improved in February, according to the latest report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
US housing starts drop 2.6% in January
US housing starts fell 2. 6% in January, according to figures released by the Commerce Department.
ECB aiming to be 'steady hand' in uncertain global economic climate
The European Central Bank is aiming to be a "steady hand" during a period of global uncertainty, according to the minutes of the ECB’s meeting in January, when it stood pat on interest rates.
US businesses to close as 'Day Without Immigrants' boycott launched
Businesses in several cities throughout the US will close on Thursday as immigrants across the country unite for their "Day Without Immigrants" boycott.
Broker tips: Qinetiq, challenger banks
Canaccord Genuity downgraded defence technology specialist Qinetiq to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ as it noted the company’s solid third-quarter update on Wednesday but said shares were up with events.
US initial jobless claims rise less than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose less than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
88 Energy to move Arctic Fox rig in April
Oil and gas explorer 88 Energy said that Doyon Drilling’s Arctic Fox rig is to move to the Icewine 2 appraisal well in April after the completion of drilling on a nearby acreage.
Gulfsands funded to 2018 with new £4m facility
Syria, Tunisia, Colombia and Morocco-focussed oil and gas company Gulfsands Petroleum announced on Thursday that it finalised a secured term facility of up to £4m with its major shareholders.
Shire earnings beat estimates and remains 'extremely optimistic' for 2017
Shire has reported fourth quarter sales and earnings that beat City estimates, with the drugmaker confident of generating strong top- and bottom-line growth in 2017.
Solo Oil raises £2m to fund joint venture commitments
Solo Oil announced on Thursday that it raised £2m before expenses through a company-sponsored placing of 400 million new ordinary shares of 0. 01p, at a price of 0. 5p per placing share, representing approximately 5. 7% of the issued share capital prior to admission of the placing shares.
Chariot awarded 75pc stake in new Morocco permit
Atlantic margins-focussed oil and gas exploration company Chariot Oil & Gas announced on Thursday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Chariot Oil & Gas Investments Morocco, was awarded a 75% interest and operatorship of the Kenitra Offshore Exploration Permit in partnership with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines, which holds a 25% carried interest.
Jarvis Securities beats chairman's pessimism in full-year results
Jarvis Securities posted its final results for the year to 31 December on Thursday, with revenue from continuing operations rising to £8. 32m from £7. 61m in the prior year.
London midday: Stronger pound, miners and ex-divs weigh on FTSE
London equities were lower at noon on Thursday as a fall in the dollar combined with several blue chips going ex-dividend, as UK investors awaited fresh catalysts.
Zegona declares second dividend for 2016
European telecommunications, media and technology sector investor Zegona declared a second interim dividend for the full year to 31 December on Thursday.