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FX round-up: Some analysts diverge in their outlook for the pound
Cable fell prey to profit-taking on Wednesday as traders pondered the next move in the pair, alongside remarks from rate-setters on both sides of the Atlantic which highlighted the policy divide between the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.
Europe close: Investors get reprieve from selling
The selling pressure on European stocks abated on Wednesday after they endured their worst session in five months a day before on investors' concerns ahead of the first round of voting in the French elections.
London close: Oil majors send FTSE 100 into the red for 2017
London stocks ended on a mixed note as a sharp spill in shares of Shell and for precious metals miners weighed on the top flight index, even as their more UK-focused brethren on the second-tier index benefitted from the prospect of looser fiscal policy after the upcoming general elections.
WTI futures sent reeling by smaller than expected decline in oil stocks
US gasoline inventories rose unexpectedly last week as refineries continued to ramp-up, but the resulting drawdown in oil stockpiles was also less than anticipated.
Energy secretary promises 'decisive' action against price rises
Business and Energy secretary Greg Clark has warned energy firms that there will be action taken against those who unjustly raise household bills.
BAE Systems awarded £1.4bn MoD contract
FTSE 100 defence group BAE Systems has been awarded a £1. 4bn contract by the UK's Ministry of Defence to deliver the next Astute class submarine to the Royal Navy.
Thursday preview: Unilever, Sky and Debenhams updates in focus
In a quiet week for data, politics and companies vie for investors' attention, with Sky and Unilever announcing quarterly results on Thursday and Debenhams interims.
Commodities: Selling abates in iron ore futures, gold lower
A rebound in prices for some industrial metals, in the energy space and for soft commodities helped buoy the wider complex on Wednesday.
Snap election 'an excuse to do nothing' - WPP chief Sorrell
The CEO of advertising giant WPP has said the decision of Theresa May to call a snap election later this year is "just another excuse to do nothing".
ITV to hold televised election debate in spite of May refusal
ITV has confirmed it will host at least one television debate for the snap election despite Prime Minister Theresa May saying she will not take part.
US open: Stocks mostly higher after strong earnings from Morgan Stanley
US stocks were mostly higher on Wednesday following strong earnings from financial firms led by Morgan Stanley.
GlobalData secures new £75m banking facility
AIM-listed GlobalData has announced a new £75m, five-year committed banking facility.
Vela disposes of another chunk of BTL Group
Early-stage and pre-IPO disruptive technology investment company Vela Technologies announced on Wednesday that, on 17 April, it disposed of a further 20,000 common shares in BTL Group at an average price of CAD 4. 72 generating net proceeds of CAD 92,850.
MPs vote overwhelmingly for snap election
MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of holding the early election on 8 June.
Sector movers: Liberum boosts General Retailers, 8 June election a factor
General retailers were sent to the top of the leaderboard by a positive note out from broker Liberum for select companies in the space, including Asos, Joules and Ted Baker.
Snap elections mean reduced risk of disorderly exit from EU, Morgan Stanley says
The Conservative party was likely to win on 8 June, Morgan Stanley said, reducing the risk of a "disorderly" exit from the European Union although it virtually ruled out any possibility of the country remaining within the European single market.
European Metals lithium project feasibility study disappoints
A preliminary feasibility study from Czech lithium explorer European Metals Holdings disappointed investors on Wednesday.
FTSE 250 movers: Ferrexpo bounces back, Polymetal loses its shine
London's FTSE 250 index was up 0. 7% to 19,427. 28 in afternoon trade, outperforming its big brother as investors focus on domestic plays.
FTSE 100 movers: Domestic plays gain, Burberry slumps on update
London's FTSE 100 was down 0. 3% to 7,126. 54 in afternoon trade, slipping into negative territory for the year as investors continued to mull Theresa May's plan for a snap general election.
Results round-up: Associated British Foods, Bonmarche
Profits surged at Associated British Foods in the first half of the year as the sugar business turned a corner and Primark opened 16 new clothes stores across eight countries, lifting management's hopes for the full year.