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Thursday preview: ECB, US Q1 GDP in focus
All eyes on Thursday will be on the European Central Bank, as policymakers in Frankfurt meet to decide on interest rates.
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US close: Stocks fall as Fed holds fire, tech earnings in focus
US stocks closed in the red on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve said it would bide its time before making any further interest-rate cuts, while investors turned cautious ahead of a number of heavyweight corporate earnings due after the closing bell.
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Fed decision to stand on the sidelines seen by some as a 'hawkish hold'
America's central bank stood pat on monetary policy as economists had anticipated and appeared to be biding its time before making any further changes to interest rates.
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Europe close: Stocks trade up ahead of Fed, ECB
European markets were mostly higher on Wednesday as investors waited on the US central bank's policy announcement after the close and ahead of the European Central Bank's rate decision the next day.
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London close: Stocks mixed ahead of US Fed decision
London's financial markets finished in a mixed state on Wednesday, as investors looked to the latest policy announcement from the US Federal Reserve and awaited key earnings reports from major American technology firms.
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Director dealings: Currys director raises stake
Currys revealed on Wednesday that senior independent director Octavia Morley had acquired 35,000 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed electrical retailer.
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Lloyds Bank to close 136 branches in further blow to high street
The slow death of high street banking continued on Wednesday as Lloyds Banking Group said it was closing another 136 branches across the UK.
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FTSE 100 movers: United Utilities, Fresnillo in the black
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 5% at 8,572. 44 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
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US open: Stocks mixed as traders await FOMC decision
Major indices got off to a mixed start early on Wednesday as investors looked ahead to big tech earnings and the Federal Reserve's first interest rate decision of 2025.
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Dowlais shares surge after agreeing £1.16bn takeover by American Axle
Shares in specialist UK auto parts engineer Dowlais surged on Wednesday after it agreed terms on a £1. 16bn cash and share takeover by American Axle & Manufacturing.
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T-Mobile raises subscriber growth forecasts after bumper quarter
T-Mobile lifted its expectations for subscriber growth in 2025 on Wednesday, projecting between 5. 5 million and six million postpaid net additions, more than double Wall Street estimates, as it also beat expectations for fourth quarter revenue.
FTSE 250 movers: Pennon rallies after rights issue; Raspberry Pi slides
FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,673. 70 0. 41%.
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Spirit rebuffs second approach from Frontier
Debt-laden Spirit Airlines has rebuffed a takeover approach from long-term suitor Frontier Airlines, the US carriers confirmed on Wednesday.
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Tesco to cut 400 jobs as it looks to simplify business
Tesco said on Wednesday that it plans to cut 400 jobs as it looks to simplify the business.
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Oriole secures two-year renewal for Wapouzé licence
Oriole Resources announced on Wednesday that it has secured a two-year renewal for its 85%-owned Wapouzé limestone licence in northern Cameroon.
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Litigation Capital Management shares slide after weaker first half
Litigation Capital Management reported realisations of AUD 52m (£26. 08m) for the first half of the 2025 financial year on Wednesday, achieving a multiple of invested capital of 3. 7x despite four case wins and three losses.
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US mortgage applications fall 2pc
US mortgage applications fell 2% week-on-week in the seven days ended 24 January, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America.
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NAHL Group ends year in line with expectations
NAHL Group said in an update on Wednesday that trading for the 2024 financial year was in line with expectations, with revenue expected to be about £38. 8m, down 8% from the prior year due to a planned reduction in personal injury-related revenue.
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Post Office said to be planning more job cuts
The Post Office has reportedly unveiled plans for scores more job cuts as part of a transformation plan aimed at boosting payouts for thousands of sub-postmasters.
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Canaccord Genuity hikes Halfords estimates, but keeps at 'hold'
Canaccord Genuity has lifted its target price for auto and bike parts retailer Halfords by 12% following this week's unscheduled profit upgrades, but has kept a neutral stance on the stock, citing an uncertain outlook.