Market Pulse
Gear4 Music's Christmas trading boosted
Gear4 Music’s Christmas trading has seen a strong increase compared to 2014.
Johnson Service to meet market expectations thanks to acquisitions
John Service Group expects its results for the year to the end of December to meet market forecasts, reflecting the positive performance reported in its interim results, and significantly ahead of the previous year following successful acquisitions.
Plus500 resumes onboarding of UK customers
Contracts-for-difference trading platform Plus500 has resumed the onboarding of new UK customers on Wednesday, having announced the approval to do so in December.
Ted Baker completes purchase of Ugly Brown Building
Fashion retailer Ted Baker said on Wednesday it had completed the purchase of its London headquarters.
Topps Tiles first quarter sales growth slows
Topps Tiles reported encouraging first quarter sales, with like-for-like revenues showing growth, although this was a little slower than the previous year.
North Korea claims it conducted first H-bomb test
North Korea claimed on Wednesday that it had carried out its first ever test of a hydrogen nuclear bomb, provoking an immediate condemnation from all of its neighbours and from further abroad, including the UK, US and Japan.
Xaar appoints 3D printing expert Prof Neil Hopkinson
Printing group Xaar has strengthened its expertise in the area of 3D printing with the appointment of a leading UK expert in the field.
Card Factory appoints Karen Hubbard as new chief executive
Card Factory has appointed Karen Hubbard as the company’s new chief executive, taking over from Richard Hayes later in the year.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower after weak China data
London stocks are expected to open lower on Wednesday following another round of disappointing Chinese data.
WPP Group expands South Korea interests
WPP Group - through its wholly-owned Grey Group subsidiary - expanded its Asia operation on Wednesday, with the purchase of a majority stake in Vinyl-I Co.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: China, Twitter, hedge funds
China is to extend a ban on stock sales by large shareholders until permanent rules to restrict such sales take effect, as authorities seek to calm market fears over the lock-up that was due to expire on Friday. China's blue-chip stock index, the CSI 300, tumbled 7 per cent on Monday, raising the spectre of a return to the panic selling of last summer when the main index was down 45 per cent at one stage. Analysts blamed Monday’s fall on fears over the impending end of the ban, which was imposed in early July.