Market Pulse
US close: Markets plummet over China's woes and falling oil
US stocks were down again on Thursday as China halted trading, oil prices plunged and geopolitical tensions escalated.
Sector movers: Resource stocks take another London hammering
Resource stocks saw a familiar slump on Thursday, following a decline in oil prices and concerns over China’s economic prospects.
Commodities: Oil market turmoil continues as WTI falls to 12-year low
Oil markets endured another bearish session on Thursday, with the WTI front-month futures contract falling to a 12-year low as concerns over China's economy and crude oversupply continued to dominate market discourse.
Director dealings: Mercantile Investment Trust non-exec buys in
Angus Lennox, a non-executive director of JP Morgan-managed Mercantile Investment Trust, has invested £90,150 of his cash in the grand old dame of the UK trust sector.
CaixaBank launches new online broker, consolidates leadership in online banking
Barcelona, 29 December 2015 – CaixaBank has improved Bolsa Abierta, its online broker, tailoring it to the needs of its different client profiles and making investing more accessible to everyone, both for those who invest frequently as well as those who wish to do so less.
FX Roundup: Pound drops, commodity currencies continue downward spiral
The pound sterling dropped to a five-and-half-year low against the dollar on Thursday, after UK Chancellor George Osborne warned about the British economy facing challenges over the next 12 months, while commodity linked currencies slipped further in European trading.
London close: Equities slip on China, oil prices and geopolitical woes
UK equities slumped on Thursday on worries about China, falling oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
Europe close: Yuan weakness does it again, sinks oil and stocks
Another leg lower in Chinese stock markets set off a downdraft in global capital markets, with investors brushing aside largely upbeat data out of the Eurozone.
Pound drops to five-year low, markets off sharply after yuan weakens for second day
A second consecutive day of weakness in China’s currency saw another wave of risk aversion sweep over all asset classes, with commodities and equities bearing the brunt of selling and the pound moving to five-year lows following remarks by the Chancellor.
Pension withdrawal data concerns some experts
There was concern in the City on Thursday over the way Britons were accessing their pensions, after fresh data from the Financial Conduct Authority was released.
Saudi state oil producer Aramco ponders IPO to make it largest listed company
Saudi Arabia's state oil company, Aramco, is mulling an initial public offer, according to reports citing the king's son, Muhammad bin Salman.
Cluff Natural Resources brushes off 2015 disappointment
There was a positive vibe emanating from Cluff Natural Resources this week, as the company worked to brush off a tough year for its plans in Scotland.
Caledonia Investments posts uptick in third quarter NAV
Self-managed investment trust Caledonia Investments reported an uptick in net asset value for the quarter ended 31 December.
Broker tips: Royal Mail, M&S, EM stocks
Liberum initiated coverage of Royal Mail at ‘sell’ with a 360p price target, saying its recommendation is predicated on the long-term decline in letter volumes continuing and not being offset by growth in the parcels market.
Iran bans imports from Saudi Arabia as rift escalates
Iran has banned imports from Saudi Arabia as the rift between the two nations escalated on Thursday.
China suspends stock circuit breaker rule
The Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges will suspend the new stock circuit breaker rule that came into place this week as of Friday.
NBNK extends do-or-die investment deadline
NBNK Investments was let off the hook on Thursday, as its board extended its do-or-die investment deadline.
MX Oil confident fracking techniques will reap major Mexican oil
MX Oil said the four licenses it successfully bid for in Mexico's recent oil auctions have all been drilled before, but with modern fracking techniques it expects to significantly increase flows.
FTSE 250 movers: Worsening conditions sees Poundland pounded
Stocks on the FTSE 250 plunged on Thursday, before recovering somewhat by the afternoon.
Hornby reveals new products for 2016 including kids 3D printers
Hornby has rung in the new year with a slew of new toys and hobby products, including 3D printers for children and wider Airfix and Scalextric ranges.