Market Pulse
FTSE 100 movers: Pearson drives blue-chips up on broker note
The FTSE 100 continued to rise on Wednesday, with the blue chip market up 65. 57 points (1. 09%) to 6,083. 36 mid-afternoon.
Weak US November industrial production won´t move Fed, analyst says
Industrial output Staetside shrank sharply in November, as factory activity stalled and production in the mining and utilities sectors registered another month of large declines.
Market overview: JP Morgan reiterates overweight on StanChart
1520: "Following the completion of StanChart’s $5. 2bn rights issue and post the BOE stress test, capital concerns have been addressed by the new CEO Bill Winters in our view. With long term value and turnaround potential we remain 'overweight'. Lloyds remains our UK top pick," JP Morgan says.
US manufacturing PMI flashes warning signal in December, Markit says
The US factory sector slowed sharply in December as the energy sector continued to be overwhelmed by the plunge in oil prices, the results of a survey showed.
PCGH gives thumbs-up to Obamacare
Contentious international health insurance reforms paid off in 2015 for Polar Capital Global Healthcare Growth and Income Trust, despite downward pressures on drug prices.
US housing starts jump back sharply in November
Residential building activity Stateside had a strong month in November.
US open: Stocks rally before Fed rate decision
US stocks gained on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision.
GlaxoSmithKline gets positive trial results for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline announced positive top-line results from the phase III programme investigating sirukumab, which is used for the treatment of patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.
RM says trading in line with expectations
In a very brief trading update, education and IT resources company RM confirmed that results for the year to the end of November are likely to be in line with expectations.
Thursday preview: UK retail sales rose 2.3% in November, analysts predict
UK retail sales are expected to rise 2. 3% in November compared to a year ago, according to analysts ahead of the figures on Thursday.
Broker tips: Burberry, Pearson, William Hill
HSBC has cut its target price on fashion label Burberry from 1,800p to 1,500p while retaining its ‘buy’ rating.
US pre-open: All eyes on the Fed
US stock futures were looking up before the market opened on Wednesday, ahead of the much anticipated announcement from the Federal Reserve.
US mortgage applications slip, says MBA
Applications for US home mortgages fell last week, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Wednesday newspaper share tips: Sale of PR Newswire makes UBM look attractive long term
UBM’s disposal of PR Newswire prompted The Times’ Tempus to rate the shares at ‘buy long term’ on Wednesday.
London midday: Stocks rally as UK unemployment rate falls unexpectedly
London stocks rallied after official data showed the UK unemployment rate fell unexpectedly and the number of people in work rose more than forecast in the three months to October.
Barclays sells indices business to Bloomberg for £520m
Barclays has agreed to sell its benchmark indices business, Barclays Risk Analytics and Index Solutions (BRAIS) to Bloomberg LP for around £520m.
Europe midday: Stocks rise in choppy trade as FOMC decision looms
European stocks rose in choppy trade as investors bet that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.
High Court approves Watchstone's capital reduction plans
The High Court of Justice in England and Wales has approved Watchstone Group’s planned capital reduction and return of capital to its shareholders.
Eurozone trade surplus remains steady in October
The euro area´s trade surplus was unchanged in October as increases in both exports and imports offset each other.
Japanese yen will outperform if the Fed does not hike, HSBC says
Contrary to their standard procedure, ahead of today´s meeting of the US Federal Reserve FX analysts at HSBC on Tuesday pre-released a research note detailing what in their opinion might be the three possible scenarios which would unfold following the interest rate announcement.