Latest News
'We are significantly closer to neutral', Fed's Powell says
The US central bank cut rates as expected but policymakers indicated that they were now anticipating fewer reductions in 2025.
US close: Stocks sharply lower following Powell comments
Major indices closed sharply lower on Wednesday as market participants digested comments from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell.
Thursday preview: BoE, BoJ rate decisions in focus
The market spotlight on Thursday would be on the latest policy decisions out of the Bank of England and Bank of Japan (or perhaps the opposite).
Europe close: Stocks edge up ahead of Fed rate decision
European shares were a tad higher on Wednesday as investors awaited the outcome of the Federal Reserve policy meeting and assessed news of a potential tie-up between two of Japan’s best known auto makers Honda and Nissan.
Broker tips: IAG, Dalata Hotels, OSB
Jefferies hiked its price target on BA and Iberia owner IAG on Wednesday to 350. 0p from 270. 0p saying it expects Q4 to deliver similar trends to Q3, driving confidence in the short-term macro and travel environment.
Merck in global license agreement with Hansoh Pharma for weight-loss drug
Merck said on Wednesday that it has signed an exclusive global licensee agreement with Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Hansoh Pharma for weight-loss drug HS-10535.
London close: Stocks firmer ahead of Fed decision
London stocks edged higher on Wednesday, buoyed an in-line UK inflation reading leading to hopes for steady monetary policy from the Bank of England.
Guardian Metal upbeat on due diligence for Tempiute Tungsten Mine
Nevada-focussed mineral explorer and developer Guardian Metal Resources updated the market on its due diligence for the Tempiute Tungsten Mine and Mill project on Wednesday.
Director dealings: Tracsis director snaps up shares
Tracsis revealed on Wednesday that non-executive director Tracy Sheedy had acquired 950 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed transport software provider.
Peel Hunt downgrades OSB Group, shares drop
OSB Group tumbled on Wednesday as Peel Hunt downgraded the shares to ‘hold’ from ‘add’ but lifted the price target to 414p from 395p.
Factory output falls at fastest rate since mid-2020 - CBI
Output volumes in the manufacturing sector fell in the quarter to December at the fastest pace since mid-2020, according to the latest Industrial Trends survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
Berenberg stays at 'buy' on Dalata Hotels
Analysts at Berenberg reiterated their 'buy' rating and 480. 0p target price on Dalata Hotels on Wednesday, stating the group was "ending the year on a high note".
US open: Stocks higher ahead of FOMC decision
Major indices were in the green early on Wednesday as market participants awaited the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision later in the session.
FTSE 250 movers: IntegraFin slides on lower fees, rising costs
FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,635. 84 0. 45%.
US building permits grow 6.2pc, housing starts unexpectedly decline
US building permits surged 6. 1% in November to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1. 50m, according to the Census Bureau, erasing October's 0. 4% decline and well and truly ahead of expectations for a print of 1. 43m.
General Mills cuts guidance, shares fall
Shares in General Mills came under pressure on Wednesday, after the US food giant beat earnings expectations but cut its full-year outlook.
FTSE 100 movers: IAG flies higher on broker note; National Grid falls
London’s FTSE 100 was flat at 8,193. 76 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Halifax forecasts 'modest' house price growth in 2025
UK house prices are set to grow "modestly" in 2025, Halifax said on Wednesday, following a better-than-expected performance over the last 12 months.
Guardian signs deal to sell Observer newspaper to Tortoise Media
The Scott Trust and Guardian Media Group (GMG) have finally offloaded the Observer newspaper to digital start-up Tortoise Media in a cash and shares deal, foiling a rival bid from Ecotricity founder Dale Vince, it was announced on Wednesday.
US pre-open: Futures higher ahead of FOMC decision
Wall Street futures were in the green on Wednesday as market participants awaited the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision later in the session.