Fidelity Top Stories
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.
US consumer sentiment 'quite high' despite coronavirus, University of Michigan says
Consumer confidence in the States edged up in February to within a whisker of its previous high for the current economic cycle, despite signs that the coronavirus was beginning to register on Americans' list of concerns.
UK government calls coronavirus Cobra meeting
The UK government called a meeting of its Cobra emergency committee to coordinate its response to the coronavirus outbreak as the Governor of the Bank of England warned about the disease's potential effect on the economy.
NMC Health shares suspended as accounting scandal grows
Shares in Gulf healthcare firm NMC were suspended from trading on Thursday after its chief executive was dismissed amid a growing accounting scandal at the firm.
UK government publishes strategy for post-Brexit trade talks
The UK government unveiled its strategy for post-Brexit trade negotiations with the European Union which were scheduled to begin during the following week, holding out the possibility of a no-deal exit if sufficient progress had not been achieved by June.
Appeal court deems Heathrow's third runway illegal
Heathrow’s third runway has been ruled illegal by the court of appeal as it found that the plans did not consider the UK government’s climate change commitments.
Coronavirus cases in China fall below those in the rest of the world
The number of new confirmed coronavirus cases in the People's Republic of China fell again, reaching its lowest level since the outbreak began, according to the World's health watchdog.
Brussels eyeing up LSE's $27bn Refinitiv acquisition - report
Shares in the London Stock Exchange came under pressure on Wednesday, after fears emerged that its multi-billion pound takeover of Refinitiv could be subject to a longer-than-expected probe by regulators.
IFS urges Chancellor to raise taxes to fund excess budget spending
The Institute of Fiscal Studies said there needs to be a tax hike if the Chancellor wants to go ahead with excessive budget spending or he could risk breaking borrowing rules.
Diageo warns of £200m hit to profits from coronavirus
Drinks group Diageo warned of a potential £200m hit to profits from the coronavirus as bars and restaurants in the China and Asia Pacific region stayed shut.
Business wants maximum access to EU markets - survey
The UK government should seek maximum access to EU markets when it sets out its position for trade talks, a survey of business leaders said.
Prudential to hold talks with Third Point over US, Asia demerger demand
British insurer Prudential said it would hold talks with activist hedge fund Third Point over its demands that it spin off its Asian and US businesses.
Warren Buffett advises investors not to 'buy or sell' on coronavirus headlines
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett said on Monday that people should not let the coronavirus panic influence their decisions when it comes to buying or selling stocks.
ABF considers stock building to counter Coronavirus risk to supplies
Primark owner Associated British Foods said it was looking at stepping up production from Asian suppliers as it warned of risks to supplies from China due to the Coronavirus.
Equity and crude oil futures slump as virus cases rise in South Korea and Italy
Equity and oil futures are pointing to a lower start to trading this week on the back of rising numbers of coronavirus cases in South Korea, Italy and Iran.
US business output registers first drop since 2013 amid coronavirus impact
US business activity registered an outright drop in February for the second time since the global financial crisis, survey data revealed.
Manufacturing supports UK output but coronavirus disrupts
Manufacturing production grew at its strongest pace for 10 months in February to keep the economy expanding at a steady pace but businesses reported disruption from the coronavirus, a benchmark survey showed.
Investors place trust in Lloyds' upbeat outlook
Lloyds Banking Group shares rose on Thursday even after the FTSE 100 lender reported falling annual profit and revenue and warned profit margins would shrink this year.
Philly Fed index jumps in February as new orders strengthen
Factory sector activity in the US mid-Atlantic region roared back to life in February, according to the results of one of the mostly closely-followed surveys, wrong-footing analysts.
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.