Market Pulse
Thursday newspaper share tips: Fears of BT Openreach split overdone
Fears that BT may be forced to sell its infrastructure arm have been overdone, according to The Telegraph’s Questor.
InternetQ refutes blog post allegations
Mobile marketing and digital entertainment solutions provider InternetQ strongly refuted allegations made in a blog post that called into question the company’s business model.
ECB cuts deposit rate to -0.30% as expected, other rates unchanged
The European Central Bank cut the deposit rate by 10 basis points to -0. 30% on Thursday, as expected by analysts, in an effort to address prolonged weak inflation.
Citi stays bullish on European equities going into 2016
European equities were set to deliver a strong return in 2016, benefiting from three macroeconomic tailwinds: Divergence, Mario Draghi and the US Dollar, Citi said.
Market drops on accidental tweet about ECB rate
The London markets started to plunge ahead of Thursday’s ECB announcement after a media organisation reported that the European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged.
UK service sector growth accelerates in November, Markit says
The UK services sector brushed aside the uncertainty surrounding emerging markets as orders for new work picked up, helping to offset weakness in construction and manufacturing, the results from a widely-followed survey showed.
US initial jobless claims rise slightly less than expected
The number of first time unemployment benefits claimants in the US surged to a two-month high last week, figures released on Thursday showed.
Risk/reward favours being long euro/dollar going into the ECB, warns trader
European Central Bank president Mario Draghi has solid credentials in his favour when it comes to surprising markets and triggering moves in the single currency, but things might be different this time around, a trader warned on Thursday.
Debenhams tumbles on Goldman downgrade
Debenhams shares were under pressure on Thursday after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to ‘sell’ from ‘neutral’, pointing to slowing space growth.
Byotrol on 'cusp' of profitability, says board
A poor six months for Byotrol weren't enough to dampen the board's spirits on Thursday morning.
Barclays cuts oil price forecasts ahead of OPEC meeting
Barclays has cut its forecasts for Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate ahead of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ two-day meeting, which it expects to be a “non-event”.
Saudi Arabia could propose 2016 output cut with conditions, report says
Saudi Arabia may table a proposal for an eventual cut to oil production if non-OPEC members and Iran participate.
Balfour Beatty says KPMG to replace Deloitte as external auditor
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has appointed KPMG as external auditor for the year ending 31 December 2016, replacing Deloitte, who was auditor since 2002.
Broker tips: Debenhams, Greene King, Glencore
Debenhams shares were under pressure on Thursday after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to ‘sell’ from ‘neutral’, pointing to slowing space growth.
Canaccord Genuity bumps up Greene King target price
Accounting adjustments and increased synergies will boost Greene King’s profits in the medium-term, but not the company’s cash-flows, Canaccord Genuity said.
US pre-open: Futures gain ground ahead of key economic data and Yellen's testimony
US stock futures turned north on Thursday, as investors awaited a speech from Federal Reserve chairwoman Janet Yellen.
RBC starts Glencore at neutral
RBC saw possible short-term catalysts for Glencore, but added that the outlook was 'mixed'.
Market Tech Holdings revenue surges driven by digital growth
Market Tech Holdings has seen a surge in revenue, driven by strong growth in its digital division.
Europe midday: Stocks push higher as investors bet on more ECB stimulus
European stocks pushed higher as investors bet that the European Central Bank would announce further stimulus measures later.
London midday: Stocks rise on hopes of ECB monetary easing
UK stocks were on the front foot on Thursday as the European Central Bank looked set to announce further stimulus measures.