Market Pulse
US productivity and costs increase in third quarter
American businesses increased productivity in the third quarter but costs also rose, figures released on Wednesday showed.
Expobank buys FXCM Securities to reinforce UK strategy
Expobank has purchased FXCM Securities, the UK arm of NYSE-listed FXCM.
EU probe into McDonald's tax arrangements nears finale
European Union antitrust regulators are nearing the conclusion of a tax avoidance probe against McDonald's Corporation for an alleged illegal arrangement with the Luxembourg government.
FTSE 100 movers: Pharma rallies on Morgan Stanley note, but Sage slumps
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 3% to 6,415. 44 at 1420 GMT, with pharmaceuticals pacing the advance.
Fed's Lockhart sees "compelling" case for rate hike
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta president Dennis Lockhart said the case for raising interest rates this month was “compelling”, although dollar strength was a risk to his outlook.
Thursday preview: ECB to announce QE expansion, analysts expect
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on Thursday is expected to announce a new set of policy measures to address a prolonged weakness in Eurozone inflation.
Wednesday newspaper share tips: Conflicting views on Merlin Entertainments
All eyes were on Merlin Entertainments in the papers on Wednesday.
Balfour Beatty sells interest in Greater Gabbard project
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has sold its 33. 3% interest in the Greater Gabbard Offshore Transmission project for £25. 5m.
US private payrolls grew more quickly than expected in November, ADP says
The US private sector created 217,000 jobs in November, according to a widely-followed survey.
Broker tips: IAG, BHP Billiton, AstraZeneca, GSK
Clear skies lie ahead for the European Airlines sector going into the winter trading period, thanks to a favourable outlook for capacity growth and given the considerable fall in oil prices since August 2015, Nomura said.
Goldman Sachs trims target price on BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton’s decision to increase copper production in fiscal year 2016 and lower its cost guidance are symptomatic of some of the factors that are ailing the wider copper mining industry, as firms add tonnes in a bid to lower their unit costs, adding to the existing oversupply, Goldman Sachs said.
Gulf Keystone Petroleum takes encouragement from Kurdistan payment
Iraq oil developer Gulf Keystone Petroleum has received a payment from the Kurdistan Regional Government for its most recent invoice, increasing hope that its considerable arrears will also be satisfied in the coming year.
Findel gains more support to block Sports Direct appointment
After another major shareholder in Findel said it would vote against the appointment of Sports Direct's Ben Gardner to its board, the home shopping group has so far received objections representing almost 44% of its shares.
Nomura stays bullish on European airlines, singles out IAG as top-pick
Clear skies lie ahead for the European Airlines sector going into the winter trading period, thanks to a favourable outlook for capacity growth and given the considerable fall in oil prices since August 2015, Nomura said.
US house mortgage applications decline
Applications for US home mortgages fell last week, data released on Wednesday showed.
US pre-open: Futures edge higher as investors await Fed speakers
US stock futures edged higher on Wednesday, as a number of Federal Reserve officials were due to speak and could provide fresh clues over the timing of the first rate hike.
Ceres Power launches new version of steel cell technology platform
Ceres Power Holdings has launched the latest version of its V3 Steel Cell technology platform.
Europe midday: Stocks rise as disappointing inflation data pile pressure on ECB
European stocks edged higher as investors bet that a disappointing reading on Eurozone inflation increased the odds of additional stimulus from the European Central Bank.
Greene King surges as Spirit Pub integration boosts interim profit
Pub operator Greene King posted a rise in first half pre-tax profit and revenue thanks in part to the integration of Spirit Pub Company.
London midday: Stocks gain as Eurozone inflation miss gives ECB green light on QE-expansion
London stocks rose as worse-than-expected Eurozone inflation data increased the chance of further quantitative easing by the European Central Bank.