Market Pulse
Asia: Stocks rally as Fed minutes hint at December hike
Asian equity markets rallied on Thursday after the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes pointed firmly towards an interest rates hike next month.
Superglass loss widens as revenue drops
Superglass posted a wider pre-tax loss for the year to the end of August but said the outlook for the current year was more encouraging.
Senior to acquire Steico Industries amid slowdown in growth
High-tech components and systems manufacturer Senior has announced it will acquire precision tube and duct assembly manufacturer Steico Industries.
Analysts initiate coverage of Hastings as numbers impress
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.
Mortgage lending hits heights as house prices set for continued rise
British banks and building societies increased the amount of mortgage lending in October by 8% compared to the previous month, with the highest monthly figure since the 2008 credit crunch.
Eurozone current account surplus widens in September
The Eurozone’s current account surplus widened significantly in September, figures released on Thursday showed.
ECB's Praet hints at further stimulus
Peter Praet, the European Central Bank (ECB) chief economist, reiterated the central bank was willing to implement fresh stimulus measures to boost inflation.
David Cameron and senior ministers to get £10m private jet
Prime minister David Cameron and senior ministers will be given the use of their own plane for long-distance trips.
Ladbrokes defends Gala Coral merger after Desmond attack
Bookmaker Ladbrokes has put out a statement calling on its investors to support its £2bn proposed merger with Gala Coral after Irish billionaire Dermot Desmond, who owns a near 3% stake in the group, slammed the deal on Wednesday.
BHP Billiton says strong balance sheet is priority
BHP Billiton's top priority was to maintain a strong balance sheet, chairman Jac Nasser told shareholders at the miner's annual meeting in Perth, Australia on Thursday .
Royal Mail delivers flat sales and profits in first half
Royal Mail failed to deliver revenue growth in the first half as UK and European parcel growth was offset by letters weakness, though the intense focus on costs saw adjusted operating profits also remain flat.
UK retail sales decline more than expected in October
The underlying volume of UK retail sales declined more than expected in October in figures released on Thursday showed.
London open: Stocks jump on the back of Fed minutes, grim times ahead for copper
London investors reacted with glee to the gains seen overnight on Wall Street after the release of the last set of Fed minutes which appeared to point to a shallower path for interest rate increases over the coming year, although some traders were left harbouring doubts about the exact timing of the first rate hike by the US central bank.
Berendsen underlying revenue up, but warns on forex
Berendsen has seen a boost in underlying revenue and operating profit growth since its half year results, but has warned about the ongoing effect of exchange rates.
Euromoney annual profit declines amid challenging trading conditions
Business-focused media group Euromoney Institutional Investors posted a decline in adjusted annual pre-tax profit on the back of difficult trading conditions.
Ted Baker sales swell on international expansion
International expansion helped Ted Baker lift sales 20. 5% in the third quarter, with the clothing retailer outperforming rivals that have bemoaned the unseasonable British weather.
Poundland takes pounding after warning of volatile trading
Poundland is pressing ahead with the rebranding of 99p Stores, after a poor half-year result and a warning of "highly volatile" conditions in the third quarter.
Europe open: Stocks rally as Fed gives clearer indication of next policy move
European stocks rallied at the open, taking their cue from upbeat sessions in the US and Asia, as the latest Federal Reserve minutes signalled that a rate hike next month was likely, while insisting that any tightening would be slow and gradual.
Genus trading in line with expectations
Animal genetics company Genus said it is trading in line with expectations for 2016, as it continues to make progress towards its strategic objectives in the first four months of its current financial year.
Electrocomponents begins restructure after disappointing first half
Electronic products distributor Electrocomponents has launched a major performance improvement plan after a disappointing first half performance.