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Thursday preview: US Q1 GDP, Auto Trader in the spotlight
The market spotlight on Thursday will continue to be on the US, where another flurry of economic indicators and speeches from central bank officials are scheduled.
US close: Stocks drop sharply as Treasury yields rise
US stocks declined on Wednesday with all but three stocks on the Dow finishing in the red as investors continued to scale back their appetite for risk ahead of key inflation data later in the week.
Marks & Spencer appoints Alison Dolan as CFO
Marks and Spencer said on Wednesday that it has appointed Alison Dolan as its new chief financial officer.
London close: Stocks end down on rate cut worries; IDS bucks trend
London stocks ended in the red on Wednesday as investors pushed back US rate cut expectations, but IDS bucked the trend after the Royal Mail owner accepted a takeover offer.
Europe close: Rising yields sink markets as Stoxx 600 hits three-week low
European stocks dropped sharply on Wednesday with losses of more than 1% across most of the continent as rising bond yields tempered the demand for equities.
Director dealings: IWG CEO sells big batch of shares
Estorn Limited, an entity closely associated with IWG boss Mark Dixon, sold a hefty amount of shares.
Ocado set to exit FTSE 100 in latest reshuffle, Darktrace and Vistry to join
Ocado and St James's Place are set to be kicked out of the FTSE 100 in the latest quarterly reshuffle of components, with Darktrace and Vistry expected to join the top-tier index.
Broker tips: Legal & General, Softcat, Fresnillo
Deutsche Bank has reiterated its 'buy' call for financial services and asset management company Legal & General following news of a potential sale of Cala Homes.
Jefferies raises target price for Softcat
Analysts at Jefferies reiterated their 'buy' recommendation on shares of Softcat, following the latest trading update out of the IT infrastructure and services provider.
FTSE 250 movers: IDS delivers a rise on Kretinsky deal, IWG slumps
FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,490. 57 -1. 04%.
US open: Investors take profits as markets await inflation data
US stocks were in retreat mode on Wednesday with investors continuing to take profits after Wall Street indices' record highs, as jitters about inflation eroded risk appetite.
London's Evening Standard to close daily print edition, launch weekly
The owners of London’s Evening Standard newspaper have said they will close its daily newspaper and replace it with a weekly outlet, after almost 200 years of publication, citing competition from online news sources and lower commuter traffic.
FTSE 100 movers: Fresnillo shines; Ocado under the cosh
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 7% at 8,199. 12 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Wood Group 'evaluating' final takeover approach from Sidara at 230p a share
Wood Group said on Wednesday that it was evaluating a fourth and final "unsolicited, preliminary and conditional" takeover proposal from Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara at 230p a share.
Czech's in the post as Kretinsky strikes £5.3bn deal for Royal Mail
Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services on Wednesday said it had reached agreement with Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky on a takeover worth up to £5. 3bn for the 500-year-old company.
ConocoPhillips to buy Marathon Oil in $22bn deal
ConocoPhillips confirmed on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy Marathon Oil in an all-share deal worth $22bn.
Deutsche Bank keeps Legal & General at 'buy' on potential Cala sale
Deutsche Bank has reiterated its 'buy' call for financial services and asset management company Legal & General following news of a potential sale of Cala Homes.
Merck to buy EyeBio for up to $3bn
US pharma giant Merck said on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy ophthalmology-focused biotechnology firm EyeBio for up to $3bn.
Europe open: Shares in downbeat mood; IDS shares up on Kretinsky deal
European stock markets continued in gloomy mood on Wednesday, extending losses from the previous day's sell-off.
Europe midday: Inflation jitters hit stocks as rate cut hopes wobble
European stock markets continued in gloomy mood on Wednesday, extending losses from the previous day's sell-off.