Market Pulse
World Bank cuts global growth forecasts
The World Bank has cut its global economic growth forecast for this year to 2. 9% from a 3. 3% estimate in June, pointing to weak growth in major emerging markets.
Expanded Poundland reveals big lift in sales
Poundland was doing its level best to impress the market with its sales figures this week, following its disastrous interim results in November, when its share price fell off a cliff.
German manufacturing orders for November beat expectations
German manufacturing orders rose more sharply than expected in November, according to data released by Destatis.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Osborne, World Bank, Sainsbury's
George Osborne is warning that 2016 could mark “the beginning of the decline” for Britain unless the country sticks to tough economic reforms, citing the Chinese slowdown and plummeting oil prices among “a dangerous cocktail of new threats”. The pace of China’s falling currency, now at its lowest level in nearly five years, has put investors on notice that the Chinese economy, an engine of global growth, may be slowing at a faster pace than previously forecast.
Marks & Spencer's Bolland retires as quarterly sales disappoint
While unveiling a mixed third-quarter trading update, Marks and Spencer chief executive Mark Bolland announced he will retire this year and hand the baton to well-regarded merchandise chief Steve Rowe.
Strong second half sends Persimmon's revenues up
Persimmon said on Thursday that full year revenues are up 13% for 2015, driven by strong growth in the number of completed new homes for the year.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower as China concerns grow
London stocks are set to open lower on Thursday following another dismal session in Asia, where trading in China was halted again after the Shanghai Composite fell over 7%.
Chinese stocks' early plunge closes market for the day
China's stock markets closed early for the second time this week as a 7% fall in the first 14 minutes of trading set off the new ciruit breaker mechanism.