Market Pulse
Asia: Chinese 'circuit-breaker' jitters rebound around region
China's red dragon was left flailing by the time the markets closed on Monday, having been maimed by a new official measure after suffering some serious losses earlier on.
Inmarsat confirms Global Xpress commercial service introduction
Inmarsat confirmed that its Global Xpress satellite constellation achieved global commercial service introduction in December.
Floods to hit RSA and Aviva harder than Direct Line, says UBS
UBS has estimated net losses of £150m to £308m from storms Desmond, Eva and Frank at RSA Insurance, Direct Line and Aviva, equivalent to 3%, 2% and 1% of market caps respectively.
Epwin expands with Stormking acquisition
Epwin Group was looking to another expansion on Monday, announcing it was purchasing the entire issued share capital of Stormking Plastics.
Banks give slack to struggling Bagir
Bagir Group started 2016 with renegotiated terms on its banking situation, including extensions to its current loan repayment schedule.
Smurfit Kappa makes two acquisitions in Brazil
Smurfit Kappa has acquired two integrated paper-based packaging businesses in Brazil – INPA and Paema – for around €186m (£137. 5m).
Green Dragon beats gas targets
China-focused Green Dragon Gas has topped its annual targets for gross production for coal-bed methane gas.
UK manufacturing slows in December, misses forecasts
Growth in the UK manufacturing sector slowed in December, missing economists’ expectations.
Saudi Arabia breaks diplomatic relations with Iran
Saudi Arabia pulled its diplomats from Tehran and announced it would cease diplomatic relations with its neighbour after its embassy was attacked.
Fiat hits skids as Ferrari makes Milan debut
Fiat Chrysler shares fell sharply on Monday as the company started trading without luxury sportscar maker Ferrari, which made its debut on the Milan stock exchange.
Victoria appoints new finance director
Floorcovering group Victoria announced the appointment of a new Group Finance Director on Monday.
Eurozone manufacturing ends 2015 on a high, but some economists prudent
Factories in the euro area whirred into life at the end of 2015, led by activity in the likes of Ireland and Italy, the results of a widely-followed survey showed.
London open: Stocks decline on weak Chinese manufacturing data
UK markets reopened on the back foot on Monday after the New Year break as data showed a further contraction in Chinese manufacturing sector activity.
New Redx director brings scientific, commercial expertise
Redx announced the appointment of a non-executive director on Monday, with Dr Bernhard Kirschbaum joining the firm's board immediately.
Europe open: Stocks kick off 2016 with heavy losses on weak China data
European stocks kicked off the first session of 2016 with heavy losses, taking their cue from a dismal session in Asia after disappointing Chinese manufacturing data.
China manufacturing PMI unexpectedly retreats in December
Factory activity in Asia’s largest economy slowed down in December, mainly as a result of weakness overseas, but analysts pointed to improvements in local conditions as reasons for optimism.
Cairn Energy announces positive results from Senegal well tests
Cairn Energy announced the successful testing of the SNE-2 appraisal well offshore Senegal with positive results.
Grainger to sell equity release division
Grainger was expecting a cash boost on Monday, with the announcement it was selling its equity release division.
Kennedy Wilson completes purchase of Madrid shopping centre
Kennedy Wilson Europe Real Estate has completed the acquisition of a 95. 2% stake in La Moraleja shopping centre in Madrid from ING Real Estate and other investors with an underlying real estate value of €71m (£52. 2m), reflecting a yield on cost of 6. 2%.
UK Commercial Property makes two acquisitions for £50.8m
UK Commercial Property Trust (UKCPT) has made two acquisitions in Newcastle and Glasgow for £50. 8m.