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Friday preview: US inflation data, German CPI in focus
Friday will bring with it key readings for US inflation, as well as a barrage of data on Germany, the euro area's largest economy.
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US Q1 GDP growth slips but details stronger
Economic activity in the US slowed at the end of 2024, but the underlying trends were much stronger.
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Europe close: Stoxx 600 hits another record after ECB rate cut
The Stoxx 600 index rose for the third straight day on Thursday to close at another record high after the European Central Bank cut interest rates and data showed that the eurozone economy stalled in the fourth quarter.
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London close: Stocks higher as ECB cuts rates
London equities finished higher on Thursday, with investor sentiment buoyed by a rate cut from the European Central Bank and a decline in US jobless claims.
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Director dealings: Vianet executive chairman raises stake
Vianet revealed on Thursday that executive chairman James Dickson had acquired 25,000 ordinary shares in the London-listed monitoring systems and data management services provider.
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Unite makes formal complaint against Bakkavor in pay dispute
Shares in food manufacturer Bakkavor dipped on Thursday after Unite filed an ethical trading complaint against the company and reached out to its customers amid an ongoing dispute over pay.
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The Property Franchise Group upbeat after 'transformational' 2024
The Property Franchise Group reported a transformational 2024 on Thursday, with revenue rising 146% to £67. 2m, driven by organic growth and the acquisitions of Belvoir Group and GPEA.
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Somero Enterprises ends year in line with guidance
Concrete slab measurement and installation equipment specialist Somero Enterprises reported 2024 full-year revenue of $109. 2m in an update on Thursday, in line with guidance and market expectations.
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Fintel flags strong full year financial, strategic performance
Fintel reported a strong full-year financial and strategic performance in an update on Thursday, with revenue increasing 21% to £78. 3m, driven by organic growth and acquisitions.
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Berenberg lowers Adriatic Metals to 'hold'
Analysts at Berenberg downgraded exploration and development firm Adriatic Metals from 'buy' to 'hold' on Thursday and cut its target price on the stock from 220. 0p to 180. 0p following Q4 results from the firm a day earlier.
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MaxCyte announces acquisition of SeQure Dx
MaxCyte announced on Thursday that it has acquired SeQure Dx, a specialist in on-target and off-target editing assessment services for cell and gene therapies, in a move aimed at broadening its offerings in the cell engineering space.
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US open: Stocks mostly higher as tech earnings take centre stage
Major indices were mostly higher early on Thursday as market participants digested quarterly earnings from several big-name tech firms.
US pending home sales unexpectedly drop
US pending home sales unexpectedly slumped in December, pulling back after four straight months of growth, according to figures from the National Association of Realtors of Thursday.
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FTSE 100 movers: Airtel Africa surges; BT under the cosh
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 8% at 8,626. 57 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
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Quarterly earnings charge ahead at Blackstone
Fourth-quarter profits at Blackstone smashed expectations on Thursday, as assets under management at the alternative investment giant reached a record $1. 13trn.
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UPS shares dive on plans to scale back Amazon deliveries
Shares in UPS tanked on Thursday after the delivery giant announced it is planning to lower volumes with its largest customer, Amazon. com, by at least a half by the end of next year.
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US jobless claims fall sharply
US jobless claims fell more than expected in the week ended 25 January, according to the Labor Department, marking a sharp pull-back from the previous week's two-month high.
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ECB cuts rates, says that disinflation is 'well on track'
The European Central Bank cut rates again and expressed confidence that inflation would continue to head lower.
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Mulberry to 'celebrate' Britishness in turnaround plan
Mulberry Group laid out turnaround plans on Thursday, including halting losses and reclaiming its position as a must-have, iconic British brand.