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US close: Stocks surge as Powell signals impending rate cut
Wall Street's three equity benchmarks surged well over 1% each on Friday after the head of the Federal Reserve cemented expectations for an interest-rate cut next month, saying "the time has come for policy to adjust".
Thor posts strong first half, lowers full-year production guidance
Gold explorers and miner Thor Explorations reported a solid first-half performance on Friday, although it lowered its full-year production guidance.
Sector movers: Cyclicals to the fore as Fed chief adopts forceful tone
Cyclicals paced gains at the end of the week after Federal Reserve chief, Jerome Powell, confirmed that investors could expect a first interest rate cut for this cycle when rate-setters in the US next met.
Europe close: Stocks extend gains as Fed chief signals rate cuts lie ahead
European stocks pushed higher still at the end of the week after the head of America's central bank clearly signalled that a first interest rate cut in the current cycle was coming in September.
Week ahead: US PCE inflation data, German IFO index in focus
The outlook for inflation in the US would continue to be in focus during the last week of August.
'The time has come', Fed's Powell says
"The time has come for policy to adjust" the head of America's central bank said, an unmistakable signal that interest rates were set to start being reduced.
Weekly review
The FTSE 100 ended the week up 16. 37 points, or 0. 2%, closing at 8,327. 78 on Friday.
London close: Stocks higher as investors digest Powell speech
London markets closed in positive territory on Friday, as investors digested remarks from US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell at the annual Jackson Hole economic symposium.
Director dealings: Bluejay Mining non executive director ups stake
Bluejay Mining revealed on Friday that non-executive director Roderick McIllree had acquired 7. 5m ordinary shares in the AIM-listed exploration and development company.
US open: Stocks higher following Powell's Jackson Hole speech
Wall Street stocks were firmly in the green early on Friday as market participants turned their attention to Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell's remarks at the central bank's Wyoming economic symposium.
FTSE 250 movers: Direct Line in the red, Ithaca Energy rebounds
The FTSE 250 remained just above the waterline in Friday afternoon trading as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium.
FTSE 100 movers: JD Sports rallies again; Melrose hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 3% at 8,315. 10 in afternoon trade on Friday.
Berenberg initiates coverage on Smiths Group at 'hold'
Analysts at Berenberg initiated coverage on diversified engineering business Smiths Group with a 'hold' rating and 1,757. 0p target price on Friday, stating the firm's diversification provides some relative earnings resilience but reckons stronger performance exists elsewhere in the sector.
US pre-open: Futures trade higher ahead of Jackson Hole
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Friday as market participants strapped in for a day packed full of speeches from Federal Reserve bankers.
London midday: Stocks maintain gains ahead of Powell speech
London stocks had maintained gains by midday on Friday as investors eyed a speech by Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell at Jackson Hole.
Europe midday: Stocks extend gains ahead of Jackson Hole
European stocks had extended gains by midday on Friday as investors eyed a speech by Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell for further clues on the timing of rate cuts.
Trinity delays publication of scheme document for its takeover
Trinity Exploration & Production announced a delay in the publication of the scheme document related to its recommended cash acquisition by Lease Operators on Friday.
Ofwat confirms Thames Water actions after firm's credit downgrade
Water regulator Ofwat confirmed the immediate implementation of new measures on Friday, to address Thames Water's recent loss of its investment-grade credit ratings.
Petrofac gets extension on senior note forbearance agreement
Energy services company Petrofac announced an extension of its existing forbearance agreement for the non-payment of interest on its senior secured notes on Friday.