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Week ahead: ECB, US CPI in focus
Investors' focus over the coming week will be on the European Central Bank as rate-setters in Frankfurt meet on Thursday to decide on monetary policy.
US close: S&P 500, Nasdaq hit new highs after solid jobs data
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both hit new record highs on Friday after solid economic data reinforced expectations for a quarter-point cut in interest rates at the Federal Reserve's next meeting.
Weekly review
The FTSE 100 ended the week up 21. 31 points, or 0. 26%, closing at 8,308. 61 on Friday.
Europe close: Stocks mostly in the black, France outperforms
European shares were mostly higher on Friday, but ended the day off their best levels following stronger than expected readings for hiring and inflation expectations in the US.
London close: Stocks mixed as US payrolls beat expectations
London’s stock markets closed on a mixed note on Friday, with investors reacting to a stronger-than-expected US non-farm payrolls report and corporate deal activity driving selective gains.
US non-farm payrolls rise more quickly than expected in November
Hiring in the US rebounded a tad more strongly than expected last month, once the impact from hurricanes and strikes in October had passed.
Director dealings: Trufin director raises stake
Trufin revealed on Friday that non-executive director Paul Dentskevich had acquired 41,000 ordinary shares in the London-listed software and niche lending solutions business.
US consumer confidence hits seven-month high, inflation expectations rise
Consumer confidence in the US rose for a fifth month running in December, the results of a closely followed survey revealed.
US open: Stocks higher following NFP report
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Friday as market participants digested a slightly better-than-expected nonfarm payrolls report.
FTSE 250 movers: Direct Line surges on takeover; Serco hit by UBS downgrade
FTSE 250 (MCX) 21,051. 89 0. 24% .
Direct Line shares spike as board agrees to higher Aviva offer
Shares in Direct Line spiked on Friday after the UK insurer said it was ready to accept an increased offer from rival Aviva of 275p a share, valuing the company at £3. 6bn.
EToro working on potential US listing - report
EToro is reportedly working with Goldman Sachs on a potential initial public offering in the US.
FTSE 100 movers: Frasers Group, utilities in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 3% at 8,328. 92 in afternoon trade on Friday.
Puig withdraws Charlotte Tilbury make-up spray, shares slump
Puig shares slumped on Friday after the Spanish fashion and beauty company said a batch of Charlotte Tilbury make-up spray was being withdrawn from the market due to a quality issue.
Syncona upbeat on interim trial results at Beacon Therapeutics
Syncona announced positive three-month interim results from the phase two ‘DAWN’ trial conducted by its portfolio company Beacon Therapeutics on Friday.
Shield Therapeutics secures $10m investment, announces RetailBook offer
Shield Therapeutics announced on Friday that it has secured a $10m investment from its largest shareholder, AOP Health International Management, through a subscription of 256. 4 million new shares at 3p per share.
Emmerson raises £0.85m to fund dispute with Moroccan government
Morocco-focused potash developer Emmerson announced on Friday that it has raised £0. 85m to fund its next move in its dispute with the Moroccan government.
Litigation Capital finance chief joins the board
Litigation Capital Management announced the appointment of chief financial officer David Collins to its board of directors on Friday, effective immediately.
Aptamer appoints three new members to scientific board
Aptamer Group announced the appointment of three new members to its scientific advisory board on Friday, as it advanced the commercialisation of its ‘Optimer’ binders for life sciences applications.
EnSilica wins $30m timing controller design and supply contract
EnSilica announced a contract for the design and supply of a precision timing controller ASIC on Friday, projected to generate over $30m in revenue over 10 years.