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Nielsen ponders potential bid for Tesco's Dunhummby unit
Information and research company Nielsen is thought to be considering a potential offer for Dunnhumby, Tesco's clubcard scheme business.
China cuts interest rates, further easing likely
China has further loosened monetary policy in a bid to support economic growth, likely in reaction to Friday's weaker than expected reading on international trade for April, economists said, with further easing measures considered to be highly likely over the rest of the coming year.
US non-farm payrolls rose by 223,000 in April
The US labour market generated almost exactly the number of jobs which markets had been predicting but wage pressures continued to be muted.
Man Group retains caution on first-half flows
In the first quarter of 2015 Man Group saw a 7% increase in its funds under management (FuM) to reach $78. 1bn.
Chinese export growth in April disappoints
Chinese exports staged a disappointing recovery in April but some economists remained optimistic regarding the outlook for Chinese trade.
Sharp gains in pound ahead of open
The pound was registering sharp gains ahead of the start of trading as markets continued to digest the surprisingly strong showing for the Conservatives at the elections.
General Election: Fifth results round-up [06:00 BST]
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in on Friday morning, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland on what is turning out to be a very bad night for the Liberal Democrats and Labour, with Conservatives tipped to emerge as the largest party. See below for a round-up of results.
Miliband admits bad night for Labour, stops short of conceding defeat
Labour party leader Ed Miliband has admitted the general election had been a “disappointing” one for his party.
General Election: Fourth results round-up [05:00 BST] - Nick Clegg wins, Cable loses
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in on Friday morning, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland on what is turning out to be a very bad night for the Liberal Democrats and Labour, with Conservatives tipped to emerge as the largest party. See below for a round-up of the constituencies that have released their results.
General Election: Third results round-up [04:00 BST]
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in early on Friday, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland. See below for a round-up of the constituencies that have released their results; Scotland aside, most of which are incumbent holds.
General Election: Second results round-up [03:00 BST] - Ed Miliband "could" resign
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in early on Friday, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland. See below for a round-up of the constituencies that have released their results; Scotland aside, most of which are incumbent holds.
Exit polls put Conservatives on top
The Conservatives will hold the most seats according to exit poll, which puts the party firmly in the lead.
Get on with the job, CBI boss tells politicians
Cut the deficit, prioritise investments, including backing the final recommendations from the Airports Commission, and don’t overdo it on business taxes, John Cridland, Director General at the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) told the yet to be determined winner following the close of the polls.
Steer clear of FTSE 100 even beyond the UK election, says SocGen
Steer clear of UK equities even beyond the election, despite their recent underperformance, said Societe Generale in a research note on Thursday.
Preferable to be short sterling on Friday morning, SocGen says
A possible Labour/SNP combine looks big enough to govern, based on the most up-to-date poll soundings, but how long would it take them to dislodge Mr. Cameron from Downing Street?.
French air-traffic strikes limit April passenger growth at Easyjet
Annual traffic growth at Easyjet slowed sharply in April as the company was forced to cancel hundreds more flights than last year.
Market overview: FTSE 100 finishes up 0.1%
1630: Close The FTSE 100 finished up 6. 16 points at 6,933. 74 after a choppy session as investors showed pre-election nervousness, while comments from Janet Yellen didn't help. Corporate earnings came in mostly better than expected, with Sage, Imperial, Legal & General and GKN impressing with results. Sainsbury's bucked the trend however, finishing down 3. 2% after underwhelming with its full-year figures.
NIESR lowers UK GDP growth forecast ahead of elections
The UK’s economy will grow more slowly than previously anticipated this year, although the deceleration seen in the pace of the expansion during the first three months of the year will likely prove temporary, a prestigious think-tank said.
GSK cuts Novartis payout as first-quarter revenues rise but earnings ease
GlaxoSmithKline posted a modest increase in first-quarter revenue on Wednesday, up 0. 2% to £5. 62bn from £5. 61bn, as the company said it plans to cut the amount of money it will return to shareholders under an asset swap with Novartis.
UK service sector activity expands more than expected in April, PMI data reveals
The UK's service sector grew more than expected in April, data from Makit/CIPS revealed.