Market Pulse
US close: Oil prices weigh down on equities
US equities dropped on Monday, as a slump in oil prices weighed on energy stocks.
China reveals plans for reducing poverty
China's Communist Party has set out plans to lift 70m of its citizens out of poverty in the next five years, helping move towards a "moderately prosperous" society, boosting domestic demand and economic growth.
Sector movers: Oil and gas stocks drag London market lower
The ongoing oil price decline dented confidence in the London market on Monday, with a plethora of energy and oilfield services companies tumbling in its wake.
Britain's recovery is secure but Brexit uncertainty will weigh, Morgan Stanley says
The recovery in Britain's economy is on track, but it will grow more slowly next year as the tighter fiscal purse strings and monetary policy stance leave their mark and uncertainty about the outcome of the UK's referendum clouds the outlook, Morgan Stanley expected.
Commodities: Oil plunges on OPEC stalemate, metals continue to struggle
Oil benchmarks headed lower on Monday, after OPEC rolled over its crude production level, which was last set at 30m barrels per day, but declined to offer an exact figure at the conclusion of its oil ministers' summit in Vienna, Austria late last week.
UK's renegotiation with EU hits stumbling blocks
David Cameron's attempts to renegotiate Britain's membership agreement with the European Union have met with some significant opposition, European Council president Donald Tusk has revealed.
Market overview: Stocks slip as oil slides
1630:Close The Footsie closed at its worst levels of the day – albeit only slightly lower - weighed down by weakness in the oil patch. Consumer staples did well on the other hand. Out on the second-tier index, Premier Oil and Tullow Oil were at the bottom of the pile, with analysts at JP Morgan having pointed out the former’s precarious financial position. Front month Brent crude futures skidded lower by 4. 6% to reach $41. 11 per barrel in ICE trading – to change hands near six-year lows.
FTSE 250 movers: AO World surges but energy-related stocks slump on oil price
London’s FTSE 250 was up 0. 3% to 17,417. 09 at 1430 GMT, tracking broader gains as equity markets recouped last week’s losses.
Consumer companies will suffer from exposure to EMEA, says Moody's
Companies in consumer-facing industries like beverages and clothing with strong exposure to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are going to lag global sales and profit growth in 2016, Moody's has warned.
FX Roundup: Dollar maintains strong footing
The dollar maintained its strong momentum on Monday, posting upticks against major currency crosses with the US Federal Reserve set for a policy meeting on December 15-16.
Walker Greenbank warns of profit hit from Storm Desmond
Luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank cautioned that its profit will take a hit as the factory of Standfast & Barracks, its printing business in Lancaster, suffered substantial flooding during the heavy rain brought on by Storm Desmond at the weekend.
London close: FTSE ends lower as oil prices plunge
London stocks reversed gains earlier in the session on Monday to end lower as oil prices reached six-year lows.
Europe close: Stocks rebound from Friday's selloff but oil prices tumble
European equity markets gained ground on Monday, as investors analysed dovish comments from European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and got to grips with the prospect of a Federal Reserve rate hike this month.
Office Depot tumbles on report regulators will block Staples merger
Shares in Office Depot tumbled ahead of a decision from US antitrust regulators, who were expected to block the company’s $6. 3bn takeover bid for Office Depot.
Venezuela's Maduro concedes National Assembly defeat
Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro has conceded defeat to the opposition centrist and conservative alliance in elections for the country’s National assembly, ending 16 years of dominance by his Socialist Party.
JP Morgan warns of risks in Premier Oil
If you are looking for a way to 'play' a possible bounce in stock prices should oil rebound - so-called oil price Beta - Tullow Oil is a better choice than Premier Oil, JP Morgan said.
Surface Transforms surges after better-than-expected interim results
Carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic materials manufacturer Surface Transforms said trading in the first half was better than expected.
Games Workshop first half trading in line with expectations
Miniature figures and games manufacturer Games Workshop said its first half trading was largely in line with expectations and with its performances in 2014.
Investors are dumping Turkish assets at a record pace
Investors in Turkish assets apparently voted with their feet last month - after dumping a record amount of stocks and bonds in 2015 - in part following an electoral victory by president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, some analysts said.
New BP director Sawers treats himself to shares
BP’s newly-appointed non-executive director John Sawers bought 13,528 shares in the oil giant at 369p each.