Latest News
Sector movers: Investors breathe sigh of relief after volatile week
Stocks finished a rough and tumble week on the up as markets at least stabilised following the volatility storm of the previous weekend.
Week ahead: UK employment and inflation data, US CPI and Trump interview in focus
Financial markets' focus over the coming week will be on a raft of economic data out of the UK, which will provide greater detail as to how the economy was faring around the middle of 2024.
Europe close: Shares finish week on slightly positive note
European shares held gains with the Stoxx 600 index nudging towards the 500 point mark at the end of a volatile week.
Weekly review
The FTSE 100 ended the week down 6. 61 points, or 0. 08%, closing at 8,168. 10 on Friday.
Broker tips: FeverTree, Future, Spirax Group
Citi cut its price target on Fever-Tree on Friday to 950. 0p from 1,115. 0p citing slight model changes and an adjustment to its price-to-earnings valuation method.
London close: Stocks end turbulent week on positive note
London's stock markets ended the week on a high note, after stronger-than-expected US jobless claims data on Thursday alleviated concerns about the health of the American economy.
Director dealings: Gateley director makes share purchase
Gateley revealed on Friday that non-executive director Colin Jones had acquired 40,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed professional services firm.
FTSE 100 movers: Beazley gains again; Burberry in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 3% at 8,173. 07 in afternoon trade on Friday.
Bellway sees return to growth in 2025 as mortgage rates fall
UK house builder Bellway on Friday said it expected to return to growth in fiscal 2025 if market conditions remain stable, as the recent cut in interest rates and higher wages helped to fuel demand.
FSB calls on home secretary to help riot-affected SMEs
Small business group the National Federation of Small Business implored home secretary Yvette Cooper to help facilitate fair treatment of small and medium-sized enterprises by the insurance industry in the wake of rioting that has swept Britain in the last ten days.
US open: S&P 500 and Nasdaq on track for fourth straight losing week
US stocks were lower early on Friday after market participants bought the dip in the previous session.
Hargreaves Lansdown reports record full-year AuA, consortium tables final offer
Hargreaves Lansdown posted record assets under administration and a big increase in net new business for the full-year.
Merck to buy drug targeting B-cell diseases for up to $1.3bn
Merck said on Friday that it has agreed to buy biotech firm Curon’s CN201, a novel investigational clinical-stage bispecific antibody for the treatment of B-cell associated diseases, for up to $1. 3bn.
Shein looking to open UK warehouse - report
Chinese fast fashion giant Shein is reportedly preparing to open its first British warehouse in preparation for a £50bn listing on the London Stock Exchange.
US pre-open: Futures little changed following yesterday's solid gains
Wall Street futures were only slightly higher ahead of the bell on Friday after market participants bought the dip in the previous session.
London midday: FTSE rises as jobless claims calm nerves
London stocks were still in the black by midday on Friday as stronger-than-expected jobless claims numbers eased concerns about the US economy.
Europe midday: Stoxx heads for 500 as rally extends
European shares held gains as the Stoxx 600 index nudged towards the 500 point mark at midday on Friday at the end of a volatile week, with sentiment driven by a positive session on Wall Street overnight, as better-than-expected jobless claims eased worries about the US economy that sparked Monday's selloff.
Berenberg slashes target price on Spirax Group
Analysts at Berenberg slashed their target price on engineering firm Spirax Group from 9,800. 0p to 8,150. 0p on Friday following the group's "slightly underwhelming" set of interim results.
Canaccord Genuity downgrades Future, says risk/reward ‘mismatched’
Canaccord Genuity downgraded Future on Friday to ‘sell’ from ‘hold’ following a strong share price increase of around 100% from the lows.