Market Pulse
US may be set to impose new sanctions on Iranian firms
The US may announce fresh sanctions on almost a dozen companies and individuals linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, in what some observers believe may test the durability of the recent international deal reached in Vienna which was designed to curb the country's programme to develop nuclear weapons.
US Treasury sued for not impeding financial support for Israeli settlements
A lawsuit was filed in US courts on Wednesday claiming the US Treasury Department had failed to stop non-profit groups from sending billions of dollars in funds to help support what it said were illegal Israeli settlements and the country's army.
US open: Wall Street on track to end 2015 with losses
Wall Street looked set to end the year lower following the release of weaker than expected data on jobs and manufacturing sector activity, although some economists were still sanguine on both fronts.
US weekly jobless claims move higher, seasonality cited as cause
The US labour market softened slightly at the end of the year according to one of the most widely tracked measures for that country's labour market, but a government statisticians pointed the finger to seasonal quirks in the figures as the cause.
US Chicago PMI drops to lowest since August 2009
A widely-followed gauge of factory activity in the US Mid-West for December surprised sharply to the downside on Thursday, but some economists cautioned clients not to read too much into the figures.
Europe close: Stocks slip but markets higher year-to-date
European equities ended 2015 in the red but higher for the year overall, with German markets closed and volumes thin.
London close: Stocks finish the year lower on shortened trading day
UK equities finished lower for the year on thin trading volumes amid a lack of fresh drivers for markets on New Year’s Eve.
US pre-open: Stocks seen broadly flat on final trading day of 2015
US stock futures pointed to a muted open on Wall Street on the final day of 2015, with Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures both up just 0. 1%.
Saudi Stock Exchange plans 2018 IPO
The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) said on Thursday that it intends to launch an initial public offering in 2018 after completing the readiness exercise and obtaining the necessary approvals.
BP orders evacuation of North Sea Valhall oilfield
Oil giant BP has ordered the evacuation of the Valhall oilfield in the North Sea due to an unmanned barge drifting towards a drilling platform.
Vast Resources posts wider first half loss
AIM-listed Vast Resources said its first half pre-tax loss widened as it made the transition from a junior explorer to a mining and production company.
Asia shares finish year on lacklustre note over oil worries
Asian markets finished the year on a lower note as weaker oil prices overnight placed further pressure on equities.
Europe open: Stocks slip in holiday-thinned trade but markets are up for the year
With German markets shut and France set to close early for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, European markets were unsurprisingly quiet on Thursday.
Serabi Gold secures convertible loan facility
Serabi Gold said major shareholder Fratelli Investments Limited has agreed to provide it with an interim unsecured short-term working capital convertible loan facility of $5m (£3. 4m).
London open: Stocks slide as trading volumes thin on NYE
London stocks opened in the red on Thursday as trading volumes were thin on New Year’s Eve.
John Lewis reports 2.3% increase in sales for Christmas week
John Lewis posted a 2. 3% increase in sales to £129. 2m in the week of Christmas as shoppers made last minute purchases.
Osborne to review airport retailers failing to pass on tax savings
Chancellor George Osborne has unveiled plans to review selling practices at airport shops to make sure VAT savings are passed on to customers.
Royal Dutch Shell starts production at Corrib gas field
Royal Dutch Shell has begun production at the Corrib gas field, which is located 83 kilometres off Ireland’s northwest coast, almost 20 years after the reserves were discovered.
London pre-open: Stocks to open lower on short trading day
The FTSE is expected to open around 6,260 on Thursday from the previous day’s 6,274 as traders prepare for a short day of trading on New Year’s Eve.
Nu-Oil and Gas reports wider annual loss
Nu-Oil and Gas reported a wider annual loss on Thursday, reflecting finance costs and exceptional charges.