Latest News
US retail sales growth undershoots forecasts in April
Americans splashed out less on consumer goods in April, primarily on furniture, clothing, general merchandise and food and beverages.
Broker tips: StanChart, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, BT Group
Analysts at Investec took their recommendation on shares of StanChart down from 'hold' to 'sell', telling clients the outlook for earnings per share and return on capital are now less convincing.
RBC trims BT Group target price
Analysts at RBC sounded a fairly upbeat note on BT Group despite the multiple calls on its cash which the company is expected to face over the next couple of years.
US consumer sentiment improves in May
Consumer sentiment in the US improved in May, according to preliminary figures from the University of Michigan.
JP Morgan slashes target price on Hikma Pharmaceuticals
JP Morgan slashed its target price on stock of Hikma Pharmaceuticals saying US regulatory approval of its generic Advair application might be postponed, which in turn made the investment bank less confident on the firm's entire drug pipeline.
President Energy claims against providers ongoing
President Energy updated the market on Friday, on its disputes with “certain service providers” in relation to the halted drilling of well DP1002 S/T in late 2016.
Hibernia REIT confirms two further leases
Hibernia REIT has confirmed two further pre-leases of 21,500 sq ft currently being refurbished in Two Dockland Central.
John Menzies' shares firm on news of progress against strategic objectives
John Menzies says it continues to make good progress against its strategic objectives and has had a positive start to 2017.
Clarksons hails encouraging start, says trading in line
Shipping services provider Clarksons said on Friday that it has had an encouraging start to the year and is trading in line with its expectations.
Bonds: Gilts edge higher as MPC sounds more positive note on economy
These were the movements among some of the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bond yields: US: 2. 39% (-2bp)UK: 1. 16% (-1bp)Germany: 0. 43% (+1bp)France: 0. 88% (+3bp)Spain: 1. 65% (+4bp)Italy: 2. 29% (+4bp)Portugal: 3. 39% (-1bp)Greece: 5. 63% (-1bp)Japan: 0. 05% (+1bp).
Hydrodec sees FY revenue rise as pre-tax loss lowered
Hydrodec's shares slipped more than 8% despite posting a rises in its full-year revenue and reduction in its pre-tax loss.
Filtronic's shares surge on rosy FY revenue, operating profit outlook
Filtronic's shares sprinted almost 30% higher after saying directors see full-year total group revenue of about £35m, with a commensurate increase to operating profit.
Lloyds Banking hit by structured investments mis-selling scandal
Lloyds Banking Group shares were hit on Friday by reports that it may have to pay £80m to compensate customers in a fresh mis-selling scandal.
AstraZeneca surges on good news from lung cancer trial
AstraZeneca's durvalumab immuno-oncology drug has become the first such medicine to successfully treat advanced lung cancer patients who had not had success with chemotherapy.
Labour's Corbyn denies pacificism, but says military force has not worked
UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn rejected suggestions that he was a pacifist, insisting on Friday that he would approve military action as a last resort.
Exillon Energy says April average daily production at 10,881 barrels
Shares in Exillon Energy fell more than 3% as it said its average daily production was 10,881 bbl/day during April.
China credit growth slows slightly in April
Chinese credit growth slowed in April but some economists said the resulting cooling effect on the economy should only be moderate.
Beowulf Mining more than halves FY pre-tax loss; sees 2017 as pivotal year
AIM-quoted mineral exploration and development company Beowulf Mining has more than halved its full-year pre-tax loss.
Hyundai, Kia ordered to recall 240,000 cars over safety concerns
Car manufacturer Hyundai and its affiliate Kia have been ordered to recall 240,000 vehicles by the South Korean government following information on safety flaws passed on by a whistleblower.
London midday: Stocks drift but AstraZeneca surges on drug trial results
There wasn't much for traders to sink their teeth into on the final session of the week, with shares in London just a smidgen higher by midday as macroeconomic and corporate news was thin on the ground.