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Europe open: Shares rally as Trump dials down Powell, China remarks
European shares rebounded strongly at the open on Wednesday after President Donald Trump dialled back his attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and hinted at possible lower tariffs for China.
London midday: Easing trade tensions push stocks higher
Rising hopes that the US and China may some day agree to a new trade deal saw the return of risk appetite on London's equity markets on Wednesday, pushing the FTSE 100 to its highest level in three weeks.
Europe midday: Stoxx powers ahead on Trump Powell U-turn
European shares powered ahead on Wednesday, led by German software giant SAP, after President Donald Trump performed another U-turn and pulled back from his threat to fire Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell while also hinting at possible lower tariffs for China.
UK private sector contracts as tariffs send PMI to 29-month low
Private sector activity in the UK declined in April for the first time in 18 months, as the downturn in manufacturing worsened and the services sector unexpectedly contracted.
First Property FY pre-tax profits to 'significantly exceed' expectations
Property investor First Property said on Wednesday that full-year pre-tax profits were expected to "significantly exceed" market expectations.
Shore Capital upgrades Boohoo to 'hold' after shares tank
Shore Capital has upgraded its stance on Boohoo from 'sell' to 'hold' following a big slump in the fast fashion retailer's share price over recent months.
Supreme trades 'strongly' across FY25
Consumer goods business Supreme said on Wednesday that it had "traded strongly" across FY25, delivering a record financial performance, supported by the positive impact of strategic acquisitions and continued management of its cost base.
Great Western Mining's Nevada mill construction broadly complete
Great Western Mining announced on Wednesday that construction of its gold and silver processing mill in Nevada, developed through its 50-50 Western Milling joint venture, was now substantially complete and ready for trial production.
Euro area factory activity holds up in April, but services softens
Economic activity in the single currency bloc continued to cool in April, as new orders fell more rapidly and weaker confidence in the outlook, preliminary survey results revealed.
Asia report: Markets climb as Trump reassures on Powell, China
Markets across the Asia-Pacific region climbed on Wednesday, buoyed by optimism that US-China trade tensions could ease following remarks from US president Donald Trump.
Aeorema Communications partners with Stagwell
Aeorema Communications revealed on Wednesday that its brand experience agency, Cheerful Twentyfirst, has been reappointed by Stagwell to produce SPORT BEACH at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June 2025.
Metals Exploration reports solid first quarter
Metals Exploration reported a solid operational and financial performance in the first quarter of 2025 on Wednesday, with free cash flow rising to $23. 5m, up from $22. 5m in the prior quarter.
London open: FTSE 100 at three-week high as risk appetite returns
UK markets jumped on Wednesday morning, sending the FTSE 100 to its highest level in nearly three weeks as trade tensions eased, with commodity stocks and financial names providing a big lift.
Nichols revenue rises as it shifts to concentrate model
Nichols reported a 1. 2% year-on-year increase in group revenue to £39. 3m for the first quarter of 2025 on Wednesday, in line with board expectations.
Quilter core net inflows 'strong' during Q1
Wealth management firm Quilter said on Wednesday that core net inflows were "strong" in Q1, continuing the momentum seen in late FY24.
AB Dynamics reports strong first-half revenue growth
AB Dynamics reported an 11% increase in revenue to £58m for the six months ended 28 February on Wednesday, reflecting robust demand across its global transport testing and simulation markets.
Babcock delivers 'strong' underlying operating profits in FY25
Aerospace and defence firm Babcock said on Wednesday that it had delivered "strong" underlying operating profits in the year ended 31 March, driven by the continuation of "positive trends" seen in Q3.
PayPoint ends year in line with expectations
PayPoint said in an update on Wednesday that it expects to report full-year results in line with market expectations, with underlying EBITDA around £90m for the year ended 31 March.
Hollywood Bowl posts record half-year revenue
Hollywood Bowl posted record group revenue of £129. 2m for the six months ended 31 March on Wednesday, marking an 8. 4% increase on the prior year, as continued investment in estate quality and customer experience drove strong performances across both the UK and Canadian markets.
Hochschild maintains full-year production guidance after Q1
Hochschild Mining delivered 79,941 gold equivalent ounces in the first quarter, it said in an update on Wednesday, in line with expectations and leaving full-year production guidance unchanged at 350,000 to 378,000 ounces.