Market Pulse
US close: Stocks end in the red amid deluge of earnings
US stocks ended in the red on Wednesday as investors waded through a deluge of mixed earnings.
Market overview: Stocks close flat on slow day for data
1630:Close Shares ended the session a smidgen higher ahead of a much anticipated meeting of the European Central Bank on Thursday. Stock in ARM Holdings was leading gains after posting a jump in theird quarter profit. The latest data on public sector finances pleased, suggesting the downward trend in borrowing is intact. FTSE 100 up 3. 29 points to 6,348. 42.
US Vice President Joe Biden opts out of presidential race
US Vice President Joe Biden has announced he will not run for President in 2016.
Sector movers: Tech hardware and equipment boost markets
Technology hardware and equipment stocks helped boost the London market on Wednesday, led by positive results from ARM Holdings.
ESPN to lay off nearly 300 staff
ESPN has confirmed in a memo to employees that it plans to lay off nearly 300 employees, a total of 4% of its 8000-strong workforce, The Wall Street Journal reported.
FX round-up: More needed on Canada
Sterling and the euro jumped late on Wednesday, after struggling to find much direction over the day, while the Japanese yen's decline continues although at a slower rate.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals hit by short-sellers
Allegations of fraud by a short-selling firm sent shares of Valeant Pharmaceuticals sharply lower.
Broker tips: Home Retail, Smiths Group, Genel Energy
Home Retail’s interims did little to dispel the doubts of analysts at Canaccord Genuity about the ability of the company to turn around the financial performance of its Argos division.
London close: Stocks struggle to find direction on lack of drivers
London stocks ended Wednesday’s session flat after wavering throughout the day amid a lack of economic drivers.
Europe close: Stocks move in tight ranges as investors await Thursday's ECB meeting
European equity markets edged slightly on Wednesday, as investors sifted through a raft of corporate earnings ahead of Thursday’s eagerly-awaited European Central Bank meeting.
New Ilika chairman buys into company
Ilika's new chairman has fronted up with the cash and bought a stake in the company which he's now leading.
Coca-Cola's quarterly revenue lose fizz because of currency headwinds
Soft drink giant Coca-Cola posted worse-than-expected revenue third quarter revenue on the back of adverse currency movements.
Commodities: Oil and precious metals under the cosh
Oil prices fell on Wednesday after data from an industry body showed a bigger-than-forecast increase in US crude inventories, adding to worries of an oversupply in the sector.
Development Securities on track to meet full-year targets
Development Securities says it’s on track to meet its full-year targets, despite a drop in headline profits.
Nektan widens casino offering with NetEnt deal
Mobile gaming platform provider Nektan fizzled lower after it signed an agreement to roll out real-money casino games from noted games-maker NetEnt.
Ferrari shares jump 15% in first trades
Shares of Italian luxury car manufacturer Ferrari started the day trading at $60, 15% higher than their flotation price of $52 per share.
Oilex kicks off workover programme on Indian project
Indian-focused gas producer Oilex has started a workover programme on its Cambay project ahead of a planned relocation of the rig and as part of its efforts to become cashflow-positive in India in 2015.
UK banks to face tougher stress tests
Large UK banks will face tougher ‘stress tests’ and may be required to hold more capital to ensure they can withstand shocks to the financial system.
Prudential's UK and Europe head Jackie Hunt steps down
Jackie Hunt will step down as chief executive of Prudential UK & Europe with immediate effect.
Analysis: Is Ferrari really worth more than Google or Apple? Probably not
Ferrari’s first day of trading is going to be the most closely watched initial public offering of the year.