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London close: FTSE 100 rises amid BP bid speculation, BT's Openreach solution
Stocks in London ended Friday higher with BP gaining on bid speculation and BT Group surging after it reached an Opeanreach solution with regulator Ofcom.
London midday: Stocks higher ahead of expected strong US jobs data
Shares of BT and oil stocks lifted the major indices on Friday ahead of the February US jobs report and amid a deluge of domestic economic data that drew a slightly mixed reaction from economists.
Funding for superfast broadband arriving at a painfully slow pace
Wednesday's Budget brought another £200m for 'full fibre' broadband, and Friday saw BT promise to administratively separate its Openreach network division. Digital Look reporter Josh White looks at whether Britain is heading in the right digital direction.
FX round-up: Sterling falls ahead of Article 50 as US dollar drops after jobs data
Sterling turned in a grim performance Friday as nervy traders anticipate UK will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty next week, with mediocre output data failing to inspire.
Europe close: Banks add to recent gains alongside another advance for euro
European stocks were in the green on Friday, gaining as a better than expected US jobs report for February served to reinforce the European Central Bank's positive message from the previous session, while the euro rallied.
NIESR forecasts GDP growth of 0.6% for three months ending February
The UK's GDP is set to record growth of 0. 6% for the three months ending February 2017, according to an estimate from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
Intu Properties buys Madrid's Xanadu shopping centre for about €530m
Intu Properties has exchanged and completed contracts to acquire Xanadu shopping centre in Madrid, Spain, for a total cash consideration of €530m, before working capital and other adjustments.
FTSE 250 movers: Miners lead climbers, REITs retreat
London's mid-cap shares were on the front foot on Friday, led by motor insurer Esure and a phalanx of commodities stocks.
FTSE 100 movers: BT dodges bullet, BP bid rumours resurface
London's blue chips enjoyed a stronger end to the week, with BT and BP topping the leaderboard on Friday's session.
Sector movers: BT, oil shares lead gains
A motley mix of interest rate sensitive stocks and cyclicals paced gains at the end of the week.
US open: Stocks higher following strong non-farm payrolls report, oil rebounds
US equity markets were higher on Wednesday following a strong February jobs report almost confirming an interest rate hike next week.
Mars Wars: Chocolate maker warns of Brexit price hike
Fiona Dawson, the global president of Mars, has warned that the price of chocolate will go up if Britain does not secure a trade deal in the aftermath of its exit from the European Union.
Commodities: Crude prices slide as glut spectre rises; gold lower again
Crude-oil futures are down this Friday afternoon as traders are again gripped by concerns about a global glut and production curbs on the black liquid following recent unexpected builds in US inventories.
Week ahead: Article 50, central bank decisions in focus
On 15 March, the Prime Minister may trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, marking the start of up to two years of negotiations on Britain's terms for leaving the bloc.
Small cap news round-up
Shares in Kodal Minerals surged on news of a £4. 3m strategic investment, potential off-take agreement and £500,000 placing, all with Suay Chin International.
Netherlands election on 15 March faces extra scrutiny
The Netherlands' election next week will likely produce a coalition government, although the fragile bolting together of parties will remain somewhat vulnerable to populist outfits such as Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV).
IXICO to show off experimental tech to global pharma firms
Brain health company IXICO announced on Friday that its executive director Professor Derek Hill was set to present the firm’s experimental technology to measure sleep from wearable sensors at a mobile devices for clinical trials in neurological diseases workshop involving global pharmaceutical companies.
ONS construction output slows, headed for tougher times
UK construction activity declined more than expected last month, according to official figures out on Friday, while sector experts said the sector looks set for a tough time in 2017.
Green & Smart expecting 'profitable growth' in full year results
Palm oil biogas-focussed renewable energy company Green & Smart Holdings announced on Friday that its final results for the 12 months to 30 September 2016 would be during the week commencing 27 March.