Market Pulse
German unemployment drops more than expected in December
Unemployment in Germany fell more sharply than expected in December, according to the latest figures from the Federal Labor Agency in Nuremberg.
Bouygues and Orange confirm merger talks
Bouygues Telecom and Orange confirmed preliminary discussions on Tuesday with a view to a possible tie-up.
Deutsche Bank upgrades Tesco and WM Morrison ahead of Christmas results
Deutsche Bank has upgraded Tesco and WM Morrison ahead of the supermarkets releasing Christmas trading figures later this month.
London open: Mining stocks lead UK equities higher
London stocks rebounded on Tuesday as mining shares reversed declines in the previous session.
Europe open: Stocks recover from heavy losses as miners rally
European stocks pushed higher in early trade, recovering from heavy losses in the previous session.
Bango wins wider contract with Microsoft across Windows 10
Bango has won an expanded contract with Microsoft to integrate the AIM-listed mobile payments company's technology across all the technology giants Windows 10 devices.
Next's Christmas sales fall short but profits hit target
In its much anticipated post-Christmas trading update, Next revealed sales were below expectations but said profits were within the range of guidance after the clothing retailer held back from discounting until Boxing Day.
Struggling Motive TV buys back convertible loan notes
Struggling technology company Motive Television was continuing its negotiations with holders of convertible loan notes on Tuesday, though announced it had reached agreement with its largest note holder.
Corero Network Security wins order for defence system
AIM-listed online protection solutions provider Corero Network Security has won a significant order for its SmartWall Threat Defense System (TDS) from a US hosting provider valued at over $400,000 (£272,000).
AA teams up to form connected-car tech joint venture
The AA has teamed up with roadside assistance clubs in the Netherlands and Austria to develop connected-car software and improve its technology offering.
Sigma Capital to beat market expectations
Private rented sector and regeneration specialist Sigma Capital expects to report pre-tax profit for the year to the end of December significantly ahead of current market expectations thanks to a solid second half.
Wizz Air flies into 2016 with record passenger numbers
Wizz Air flew into 2016 with record passenger numbers, as the burgeoning Hungarian airline continued its rampant expansion plans.
GPE sells 60 Great Portland Street for £102.2m
Great Portland Estates has exchanged contracts to sell 60 Great Portland Street for £102. 2m, in line with the September 2015 valuation.
Grafton Group expands in London through T Brewer acquisition
Builders’ merchant and DIY company Grafton Group has expanded its reach in London after it acquired T Brewer & Co on Tuesday.
Bwin.party ends year on high ahead of takeover
Bwin. party ended its financial year on a high, ahead of its final results and takeover by GVC Holdings.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher as Asia stabilises
London stocks are set to open higher on Tuesday on the back of a stabilisation in Asian markets following heavy losses in the previous session.
Smith & Nephew completes acquisition of surgical robotics business
Medical tech business Smith & Nephew has completed the acquisition of surgical robotics business Blue Belt Technologies.
Tuesday newspaper round-up: HSBC, Sports Direct, Saudi Arabia
HSBC will not face formal action from the City regulator following revelations that the Swiss arm of Britain’s biggest bank helped clients to evade tax. HSBC was engulfed in scandal a year ago when leaked bank account details showed how the bank’s Swiss unit helped wealthy customers to dodge taxes by concealing assets and handing out bundles of cash to avoid the authorities. - Guardian.