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Thursday preview: UK elections in the spotlight
All eyes on Thursday would be on the UK election results with most analysts confident that Labour was set to regain power by a wide margin and after a very long absence.
US close: Stocks finish shortened session with gains after poor data
US stocks finished mostly higher after a shortened trading session with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both hitting yet more record highs following a flurry of weak economic data which raised hopes that the Federal Reserve may start loosening monetary policy in September.
Europe close: Stocks grind higher on French election optimism
European stocks were higher on Wednesday amid hopes that a cut in US interest rates was in sight, while investors also eyed national elections in France at the weekend.
Sidara's takeover deadline for Wood Group extended
Wood Group said on Wednesday that the deadline for Sidara to either announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away has been extended as the Dubai-based engineering and consultancy firm needs more time for due diligence.
Broker tips: 3i Group, Diageo, Direct Line
Morgan Stanley downgraded 3i Group on Wednesday ‘equalweight’ from ‘overweight’ and cut the price target to 3,192p from 3,246p as it said the risk/reward is more balanced after a strong run.
London close: Stocks higher as investors digest US jobs data
London's stock markets closed on a positive note on Wednesday, buoyed by a wave of economic data from the United States and renewed hopes for interest rate cuts.
US services sector activity shrinks very sharply in June, ISM says
Services sector activity in the US slowed very sharply last month, a closely followed survey showed.
FTSE 100 movers: Airlines fly higher; JD Sports hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 6% at 8,168. 32 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Director dealings: Time Finance CFO makes share purchase
Time Finance revealed on Wednesday that chief financial officer James Roberts had acquired 22,482 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed finance provider.
IntelliAM AI starts trading on AQSE
IntelliAM AI, a software company specialising in AI and machine learning for the manufacturing industry, announced the start of trading of its shares on the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market on Wednesday.
FTSE 250 movers: Wizz flies lower as president goes; Baltic Classifieds rises
FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,345. 54 0. 75%.
US job cut announcements drop again in June, Challenger says
Job cut announcements appeared to repeat the pattern observed in 2023, dropping quickly in June, the results of a closely followed survey revealed.
Quest Diagnostics to buy Canada’s LifeLabs for $985m
Quest Diagnostics said on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy LifeLabs, a Canadian provider of community laboratory tests, for about $985m including debt.
US foreign trade deficit shrinks a tad more quickly than expected in May
America's shortfall on trade with the rest of the world increased slightly in May, as both domestic and foreign demand softened.
US open: Stocks slightly higher ahead of Independence Day break
Wall Street stocks were little changed early on Wednesday as traders prepared for the 4th of July break.
Serica completes reserves-based lending redetermination
Serica Energy announced on Wednesday that it has completed the first semi-annual redetermination under its $525m reserve-based lending (RBL) facility, increasing the borrowing base from $463m to the full committed amount of $525m.
Judges Scientific amends and extends multi-bank facilities
Judges Scientific, a group specialising in acquiring and developing companies in the scientific instrument sector, announced amendments and extensions to its multi-bank facilities with Lloyds Banking Group, Santander, and Bank of Ireland on Wednesday.
Fintel acquires Threesixty Services from Abrdn
Fintech and support services provider Fintel announced the completed acquisition of Threesixty Services from Abrdn on Wednesday.
US private sector adds fewer jobs than expected in June - ADP
Private sector employment in the US rose less than expected in June, according to figures released on Wednesday by ADP.
US jobless claims rise to 238,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at an accelerated clip in the week ended 29 June, according to the Department of Labor.