Market Pulse - Commodities
Official China factory PMI hits record low in February
Manufacturing sector conditions in the People's Republic of China fell at their most rapid pace ever in February, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
Coronavirus slows manufacturing delivery times 'significantly' in February, Chicago PMI shows
The slowdown in manufacturing sector activity in the Chicago area eased by much more than expected in February, the results of a closely-followed survey showed, despite signs that the coronavirus was lengthening delivery times substantially.
Hunting's Titan is vulnerable to competition, Credit Suisse says
Hunting's Titan business is vulnerable to competition, Credit Suisse said as the investment bank reduced its target price for the energy services group's shares.
Renold warns of 'direct impact' to operations from coronavirus
Power transmission products supplier Renold warned on Friday that some "challenging market conditions" and the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus would have a direct impact on certain facets of operations.
Polymetal raises ore reserve estimate after 'successful' exploration results
Precious metals miner Polymetal bumped up its estimate of ore reserves for 2019 on the back of its "successful" exploration results.
Campaigners protest against World Bank's $55m pledge to fossil fuel industry
The World Bank has been criticised for investing $55m in a fossil fuel project that involves oil extraction in Guyana after pledging to stop direct funding of the contaminating industry.
Berenberg raises target price on 'extremely attractive' Petrofac
Analysts at Berenberg slightly raised their price target on Petrofac's shares from 420. 0p to 440. 0p on Wednesday, stating the oilfield services group's bid pipeline had it back on track for growth.
Origin Enterprises warns on profits following prolonged rain
Agri-services group Origin Enterprises issued a profit warning on Wednesday following some "prolonged and challenging" weather conditions across Ireland and the UK.
BP to quit trade bodies over climate change 'misalignment'
BP is pulling out of three American trade associations as part of its green overhaul, the British oil giant confirmed on Wednesday.
Weir to become pure mining play after tumbling into the red
Weir Group is to offload its battling oil and gas business after an impairment charge pushed the mining and energy equipment specialist into the red.
Iran maintains military spending despite US sanctions
Iran has maintained its military spending dismissing claims that US sanctions forced the government to cut defence budgets.
Construction of Tesla's Berlin Gigafactory approved despite environmental protests
A German court gave Tesla the green light to cut down trees to build its new European Gigafactory despite protests from environmental activists.
Odey steps up push for improved Sirius offer
Odey Asset Management has reinforced its push for Anglo American to bid more for Sirius Minerals by converting its derivative position in Sirius into shares.
Director dealings: Columbus Energy chairman makes major share purchase
Columbus Energy Resources revealed on Thursday that chairman Leo Koot had purchased 12. 43m ordinary shares in the AIM-listed crude oil producer.
Global demand for LNG hit 359m tonnes in 2019 - Shell
Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) grew by 12. 5% to 359 million tonnes in 2019, according to Shell’s latest annual LNG Outlook published on Wednesday.
Chinese money supply dynamics in January point to more subdued growth
Money flows in China undershot economists' forecasts last month, pointing to a slower outlook for economic growth.
Apple withdraws quarterly guidance due to slow return to normal in China
Apple withdrew its guidance for first quarter sales due to a slower-than-expected return to normal conditions in China after the extended Lunar New Year holidays at both its suppliers and its stores in the Asian giant.
Barclays hails BP's new strategic goal of going net zero
Barclays's analysts hailed the new strategic vision set out by BP just the day before to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2050.
RBC stays positive on Renewables, downgrades Drax
Analysts at RBC sounded a positive note on the outlook for renewables, but less so in the case of Drax and SSE.
Commodities: Crude oil futures rise as coronavirus fears ebb
Energy quotes jumped back in the middle of the week amid increased optimism that contagion from the Chinese coronavirus might be slowing.