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Europe close: Tech paces losses, French and Spanish politics in the headlines
European shares finished down again on Wednesday on the back of softer-than-expected readings for Chinese services sector activity and US job openings.
Thursday preview: US services data, Ashmore Group in focus
Investors' focus on Thursday will be on the US services sector.
US close: Dow does little to reclaim Tuesday's heavy losses
Major indices turned in a mixed performance on Wednesday as the blue-chip Dow Jones managed to claw back some of yesterday's losses.
Sixth Street, Patron reportedly considering bid for L&G-owned housebuilder Cala
US investment firm Sixth Street has partnered with Patron Capital Partners to compete against FTSE 100 housebuilder Persimmon in the bid to acquire privately-held UK housebuilder Cala Group, it emerged on Wednesday afternoon.
Broker tips: Dalata Hotel Group, DS Smith
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on hotels operator Dalata Hotel Group from 510. 0p to 480. 0p on Wendesday but applauded the group's "resilient H1 performance".
London close: FTSE slips as US job openings miss forecasts
London stock markets ended Wednesday flat to lower as investors processed fresh economic signals from the US, particularly a lower-than-expected job openings report.
Director dealings: Totally director makes share purchase
Totally revealed on Wednesday that non-executive director Bob Forsyth had acquired 150,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed healthcare services firm.
Bank of Canada cuts rates for third time in a row, to 4.25%
The Bank of Canada cut its benchmark rate on Wednesday to 4. 25% from 4. 5%, in line with economists’ expectations, amid easing inflationary pressures.
US job openings fall short of forecasts in July, but hiring and quits rise
The number of open job positions in the US slipped in July, but Americans were a tad more confident when it came to risking trying to change employers.
US open: Stocks mixed as Dow attempts to claw back losses
Wall Street stocks were mixed early on Wednesday as the blue-chip Dow Jones attempted to claw back some of yesterday's losses.
FTSE 100 movers: Compass boosted by upgrade; Airtel Africa tumbles
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 4% at 8,268. 28 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
James Cropper reports positive start to new financial year
Advanced materials and paper and packing company James Cropper updated the market on its recent trading on Wednesday, reporting a positive start to the financial year, recovering from the challenging market conditions experienced in the latter half of the 2024 period.
Stifel downgrades DS Smith to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’
Stifel downgraded DS Smith on Wednesday to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ and cut the price target to 480p from 498p as it said the company’s near-term earnings are under pressure.
FTSE 250 movers: Balanced Commercial surges on Starwood cap agreed bid
FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,793. 18 -0. 07%.
UK regulator mulling cut to fraud refund cap after industry pressure
The UK’s payments regulator has proposed slashing the maximum amount banks and fintechs would have to reimburse fraud victims after industry pressure to review the cap.
CMA clears Microsoft acquisition of Inflection AI assets
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Microsoft's acquisition of key personnel and intellectual property from Inflection AI, it announced on Wednesday, determining that the deal does not significantly impact competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) market.
Nordstrom gets $23 a share buyout proposal from family founders, Liverpool
Nordstrom confirmed on Wednesday that it has received a buyout proposal from members of the Nordstrom family and Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool (Liverpool) at $23 per share.
US trade deficit yawns wider in July amid jump in technology imports
America's shortfall on trade with the rest of the world worsened as expected in July as outlays on imports surged.
Berenberg lowers target price on Dalata Hotels Group
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on hotels operator Dalata Hotel Group from 510. 0p to 480. 0p on Wendesday but applauded the group's "resilient H1 performance".
Empire Metals upbeat on evaluations from Pitfield Project
Empire Metals updated the market on its ongoing mineralogical and metallurgical studies at the Pitfield Project in Western Australia on Wednesday, focusing on the development of titanium-rich ores.