Market Pulse
London midday: Stocks slide on oil prices, IMF outlook
The FTSE was under pressure on Wednesday as oil prices declined and the International Monetary Fund warned of disappointing global economic growth next year.
Asia: Nikkei ends on high, China boosted by government spending plans
Asian stocks continued their late rally as the year nears its end, following higher finishes for European and US indices.
Global investor confidence improves in December, says State Street
Global investor confidence nudged up a point in December from November’s revised reading of 107. 3, according to the State Steet Investor Confidence Index (ICI), which gauges institutional investors' desire for risk by analysing their buying and selling patterns.
Julius Baer reaches agreement to settle US tax probe
Julius Baer has reached an agreement in principle with the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York to settle a criminal investigation that it helped wealthy American clients evade tax.
Minoan Group eyes imminent Greek approval for Crete project
Shares in Minoan Group charged higher as the company's plans for a major holiday development on the Greek island of Crete neared final approval.
Ocado slides on concerns over Amazon expansion
Online grocery distributor Ocado slumped on Wednesday, with market participants pointing to Amazon’s plans to expand its 'Pantry' grocery delivery service in the UK.
IMF warns of 'disappointing' global economic growth in 2016
International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde on Wednesday warned that global economic growth would be “disappointing” next year.
Facebook class action gets green light from US judge
A US judge has given the green light to two class actions alleging that social network giant Facebook hid concerns about its growth forecasts ahead of the company’s stock market debut in 2012.
Apple to pay 318m euro tax penalty in Italy
Apple has been ordered to pay €318m as part of an Italian tax probe, though this is less than half than the company was alleged to have owed.
London open: Stocks decline as oil prices reverse gains
London stocks declined on Wednesday as oil prices reversed gains in the previous session.
Europe open: Stocks in the red as oil prices resume slide
European stocks slipped in early trade, giving back some of the previous session’s gains as oil prices resumed their slide, on what will be the last full day of trading in 2015.
MPs said to meet with Rolls-Royce boss amid UK job worries
Members of parliament are reportedly set to meet Rolls-Royce boss Warren East to discuss his restructuring plans for the aerospace and defence group following its five profit warnings.
House prices rising at fastest rate since April, says Nationwide
UK house prices climbed 0. 8% month in December compared to November, which was the largest month-on-month increase since April.
Qinetic wins US aircraft carrier takeoff deal
Qinetiq has won a $16m contract to supply the aircraft launch and landing-arrest systems for the US Navy’s next aircraft carrier, the $11. 5bn John F Kennedy.
Crimson Tide seeks shareholder approval for capital reconstruction
Crimson Tide said on Wednesday that it has called a general meeting as it looks to get shareholder approval for a capital reconstruction.
Silver Falcon agrees broad terms for Lime insurance tech acquisition
Fully listed cash shell Silver Falcon has agreed to make an initial acquisition, with a reverse takeover planned of unlisted insurance industry technology firm Lime Holdings.
London pre-open: Stocks seen a little lower after healthy gains
London stocks are expected to open a little lower on Wednesday amid holiday-thinned volumes, following healthy gains in the previous session.
Regional REIT buys £37.5m portfolio
Recently-listed commercial property company Regional REIT has exchanged contracts to purchase five assets from a retained client of La Salle Investment Management for a total consideration of £37. 5m in an off-market deal.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Rolls-Royce, pay, Brexit, Qinetiq
Legislators are to meet Warren East to discuss his restructuring plans for Rolls-Royce, underlining the political sensitivities the new chief executive will have to navigate as he attempts to stabilise the UK’s flagship engineering group after five profit warnings. More than 20 Labour and Conservative MPs wrote to Mr East earlier this month to request a meeting, highlighting concerns for the future for the group’s 21,300 employees in the UK and plans to shift more production to low-cost countries.