Market Pulse
US open: Stocks advance as FOMC's decision looms large
US equity markets rose early on Wednesday, as investors waited to see whether the Federal Reserve will decide to hike interest rates this year.
Heathrow revenue and core earnings jump as passenger numbers hit record high
Heathrow posted a jump in revenue and core earnings for the first nine months of the year as demand at the airport continued to grow.
US trade gap narrows to seven-month low in September
The US trade gap in goods narrowed more than expected in September to reach a seven-month low, figures released on Wednesday showed.
RBC Capital Markets slashes Meggitt price target on profit warning
RBC Capital Markets slashed its price target on Meggitt to 420p from 580p following the company’s profit warning.
Broker tips: Meggitt, Lloyds, Petra Diamonds
Meggitt was left reeling in the third quarter by a sharp decline in energy revenues, a worsening 'business-mix' and lower aftermarket sales for civilian and military spares, Investec said.
Investors in Petra Diamonds should be patient, SP Angel said
Investors in Petra Diamonds lack confidence, leaving the share price exposed should worries about Chinese demand persist, broker SP Angel told clients.
Prime People posts jump in interim profit, appoints new FD
Recruitment company Prime People posted a jump in first-half pre-tax profit as it announced the appointment of a new finance director.
Meggitt left reeling by extreme environment, Investec cautious
Meggitt was left reeling in the third quarter by a sharp decline in energy revenues, a worsening 'business-mix' and lower aftermarket sales for civilian and military spares, Investec said.
GlaxoSmithKline's consumer strength lifts third-quarter results above forecast
GlaxoSmithKline posted third-quarter results with revenue and core earnings per share beating market expectations, though management held full year guidance steady.
BoE's Salmon says Libor alternative will be ready next year
A senior Bank of England (BoE) official said on Wednesday that the central bank will outline how markets can move to a new “risk-free” interest rate benchmark from next year.
Nomura, Goldman focus on Lloyds´s guidance after Q3 numbers
Analysts were not particularly bothered by Lloyds´s weaker than expected third quarter profits, but the lender´s guidance might be another matter.
US pre-open: Futures edge higher ahead of FOMC's interest rates decision
US stock futures edged higher on Wednesday, as investors eagerly awaited to see whether the Federal Reserve will decide to hike interest rates this year.
Europe midday: Stocks push higher as investors await FOMC decision
European stocks edged higher amid a slew of corporate results, as investors bet that the Federal Reserve will stand pat on rates at its policy meeting later.
London midday: Equities edge higher ahead of FOMC interest rate decision
London stocks rose at midday on Wednesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.
US mortgage applications edge lower, MBA says
Applications for US home mortgages fell last week, data released on Wednesday showed.
Asia: Markets firmly in the red ahead of FOMC's decision
The majority of Asian stocks were firmly in the red on Wednesday, as investors remained cautious ahead of the upcoming Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.
Walgreens Boots Alliance in $17.2bn deal to buy Rite Aid
Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to buy US retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid in a $17. 2bn deal.
Comment: What to watch for in the Fed announcement
Employment levels are pretty much where the US Federal Reserve wants them although some members of the FOMC were of the belief in the September meeting that further progress was possible before the labour market could be considered in line with the mandate, writes analyst Brenda Kelly.
Aggreko appoints Nicolas Fournier as MD of Power Solutions
Temporary power provider Aggreko announced the appointment of Nicolas Fournier as managing director of its Power Solutions division, with effect from 2 November.
Trinity Mirror seals deal to buy Local World
Newspaper group Trinity Mirror has reached an agreement to acquire the remaining 80% stake in Local World Holdings it does not already own for £154. 4m in a deal that will create the UK’s largest regional news publisher.