Market Pulse
Goldman Sachs recommends top themes and trades for 2016
Goldman Sachs published its six recommended top trades for 2016 based on its related top 10 global market themes for next year, which are led by the fact it sees global growth being "more stable than it looks".
London close: Stocks rise after Fed minutes, but some traders wary
Stocks and Gilts rose, but prices for industrial metals and the US dollar retreated after the minutes of the US central bank’s policy meeting were released overnight.
US close: Stocks snake sideways on low oil and tech fizz
US stocks slid sideways on Thursday as, in the absence of much major data to chew on, the market digested how best to play the Federal Reserve's apparently strong signals that a December rate hike is coming and oil's latest plunge.
2015 to be hottest year ever, despite Britain snow
As many Britons prepared for a forecast Arctic blast on Thursday, figures from global climate experts were predicting a particularly warm 2016.
South Africa's central bank raises rates, Fed communications will be key
South Africa’s central bank unexpectedly raised rates at Thursday’s policy meeting, in reaction to excessive weakness in the country’s currency, the risk that drought conditions will push food prices higher and ahead of an increase in electricity tariffs.
China's central bank cuts borrowing costs
The People’s Bank of China said it will cut interest rates for the Standing Lending Facility, which is the interest rate on loans it gives to banks, in what amounts to a test of its new monetary policy framework.
Normalisation of interest rates will look different this time around, Fed 's Lockhart says
Speaking in the afternoon, the president of the Federal Reserve bank of Atlanta, Dennis Lockhart, said the normalisation of interest rates in the current cycle "might look somewhat different than one's sense of normal based on historic episodes of rising rates. ".
FX Roundup: Dollar sheds froth against global crosses
The dollar corrected against major global currency crosses on Thursday, following the release of minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting which indicated the US central bank is set to raise short term interest rates for the first time in almost a decade.
Broker tips: Hastings Group, Drax Group, Rolls Royce
Analysts were keen to put their two cents in on UK insurer Hastings Group Holdings after the company, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in October, posted a strong trading update on Wednesday.
Europe close: Stocks advance as ECB minutes hint at fresh easing policies
European stocks gained ground on Thursday, after the European Central Bank hinted at more stimulus measures, while the US Federal Reserve looks set to hike interest rates next month.
Coal of Africa boosted as appeal against South African colliery is rejected
Metallurgical and thermal coal explorer and developer Coal of Africa said an appeal against its Vele Colliery in South Africa has been rejected.
Utilico's new director buys in to company
Utilico Emerging Markets’ new director has opened his wallet and bought in to the company.
Analysis: How likely is the FOMC rate hike in December?
A lot can happen in a week and we have four weeks to get through before the next FOMC meeting, writes analyst Brenda Kelly of London Capital Group.
Friday preview: Public sector borrowing to leave Chancellor pinching pennies
Friday will see the UK's final public sector finance figures before Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement, plus over the water a flash reading of Eurozone consumer confidence is also expected to show a marginal improvement but remain solidly negative.
IT security challenge "constantly evolving", says Pearson CTO
Keeping corporate data and IT estate secure is a constantly evolving challenge that major companies simply have to live with and respond to, according to Pearson’s Chief Technology Officer of operations Graham Calder.
Square begins trading above IPO price
Square Inc. has started trading on the New York Stock Exchange at $11. 20 per share, $2. 20 above its initial public offer price.
Mothercare interim profit surges as expansion plans continue
Baby goods retailer Mothercare said it had started to reap the benefits of its turnaround strategy after its interim profit more than doubled.
Intl. FC Stone sees grim times for copper in 2016
Miners left in ‘shell-shock’ by the slide in copper prices will need to shake it off quickly and start cutting output much more deeply as consumption of the metal in Asia’s largest economy stops growing.
US Federal Reserve has not painted itself into a corner, Mester says
The Federal Open Market Committee is not boxed into hiking rates at its 15-16 December policy meeting, a top Fed official said.
RBC upgrades National Grid on attractive risk/reward
RBC Capital Markets upgraded National Grid to ‘outperform’ from ‘sector perform’ and lifted the price target to 1,000p from 920p, saying it sees an attractive risk/reward opportunity.