Market Pulse
US durable goods orders rises more than forecast in October
US durable good orders rose more than analysts' expected in October, the Commerce Department revealed.
US jobless claims fall more than expected
The number of unemployment benefits claimants in the US fell more than expected last week, figures released on Wednesday showed.
US personal consumption nudges slightly higher in October
US consumer spending rose slowly in October, data released on Wednesday showed.
Violent kwacha destroys Zambeef results
Africa’s volatile currency market left a sour taste in Zambeef’s annual results on Wednesday, despite strong consumer hunger for African meat.
SeaEnergy agrees to working capital funding as oil prices affect business
SeaEnergy has agreed to a working capital funding package to cover a shortfall in the company’s trading.
London-listed recruiters slump on RBC downgrades
Recruitment consultancy stocks were under the cosh after RBC Capital Markets downgraded some key names as it took a look at the Pan European staffing sector.
Shire preparing fresh bid for Baxalta
Pharmaceutical firm Shire was about to make a fresh takeover bid for US biotechnology business Baxalta, it was reported on Tuesday night.
US home mortgage applications decline, MBA says
Applications for US home mortgages fell last week, data released on Wednesday showed.
Victoria flying high after acquisitions
An acquisition-hungry Victoria plc was rolling out its own red carpet on Wednesday, as it reported some very positive first half results.
Ophir Energy rallies on report of merger interest
Shares in oil and gas exploration company Ophir Energy rallied following a report that it has received informal takeover and merger interest from several parties as a drop in crude oil prices forces independent operators to consolidate.
Europe midday: Stocks extend gains as investors await US data deluge
European stocks rose as Wednesday's session developed, extending earlier gains as investors shrugged off strained relations between Russia and Turkey.
US pre-open: Futures advance as Wall Street braces for deluge of economic data
US stock futures advanced on Wednesday, as investors geared up for a raft of economic reports ahead of Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday.
London midday: Housebuilders hoist FTSE ahead of Autumn Statement
London's FTSE 100 was given a boost by housebuilding shares on Wednesday ahead of Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement, which is expected to reveal an investment of just under £7bn in the sector.
French economy could suffer €2bn hit from Paris terror attacks
The 13 November terrorist attacks in Paris could cost the country around €2bn.
Channel 4 refusing to cooperate with Whitehall as sale plans drawn up
Channel 4 is obstructing requests from Whitehall over preparations by the government to sell the state-owned commercial broadcaster, according to Sky News.
Asia: Equities edge lower amid increase in geopolitical tensions
Asian stocks edged mostly lower on Wednesday, dragged down by a fresh escalation in geopolitical tensions.
Housebuilders rally ahead of Autumn Statement
London-listed housebuilders shone ahead of Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement, during which he is expected to pledge an investment of just under £7bn in the sector.
London open: Stocks rebound ahead of Autumn Statement
UK stocks rebounded on Wednesday ahead of Chancellor George Osborne’s joint Spending Review and Autumn Statement.
DMGT's gloomy guidance soils solid results report
Shares in Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) neared three-year lows as a newly announced rolling share buy-back and robust final results were not enough to offset its gloomy guidance for the new financial year.
HSS revenue in line with forecast, warns over possible slowdown next year
HSS Hire Group said revenue for the first three quarters of the year was in line with guidance, although the tool and equipment hire company warned growth in 2016 could be slower than expected.