Market Pulse
Too soon to say four rate hikes will be needed in 2016, Fed's Kaplan says
The US central bank should focus on whether it is on track to meet its inflation target, while keeping in mind that interest rates near zero are not ‘free’, they create distortions, Dallas Fed president Robert Kaplan said on Wednesday.
WPP buys majority stake in Latino digital content creator Mitú
WPP’s investment arm has acquired a minority interest in online Hispanic-focused digital content creator Mitú for an undisclosed sum.
Fed may want to raise rates more slowly, Rosengren says
Recent low readings on inflation and concerns over slower international and domestic growth could force the Federal Reserve to slow the pace of interest rate rises, Boston Federal Reserve President Eric Rosengren said.
Thursday preview: BoE to keep interest rates unchanged
The Bank of England is expected to hold fire on interest rates at Thursday’s policy decision amid low inflation and weak wage growth.
UBS downgrades National Grid on valuation, regulatory concerns
UBS downgraded its view on shares of National Grid, arguing that its US business was overvalued and that short-term regulatory risks in the UK had not been priced in.
UBS sees restructuring potential in Enel, E.On, Engie
Declines in commodity prices and devaluation in emerging market foreign exchange will take their toll on European utilities this year, analysts at UBS said.
ECB will adopt further measures if necessary, official says
The European Central Bank would implement further easing measures if necessary, but has so far taken action to support growth, a member of the bank's governing council said on Wednesday.
Broker tips: Sainsbury's, BBA Aviation, Lloyds
Sainsbury’s third quarter highlights the group’s compelling strategy and differentiation from the other 'Big Four' supermarkets, Societe Generale said on Wednesday.
US pre-open: Markets take cue from Asia
US markets were set to open in the black again, taking their cue from Asian markets as well as a slight recovery in oil prices.
Wednesday newspaper share tips: Market got Debenhams wrong
The Times’ Tempus said on Wednesday that the market got Debenhams wrong, which has now delivered on its promises.
Trinity Mirror developing new paper, reports say
Trinity Mirror has begun working on the launch of a new national newspaper format, reported to be akin to The Independent's i title.
Sainsbury's a 'buy' after third quarter beat, says Societe Generale
Sainsbury’s third quarter highlights the group’s compelling strategy and differentiation from the other 'Big Four' supermarkets, Societe Generale said on Wednesday.
Slump in BBA Aviation shares is good entry point, says Citi
Citigroup initiated coverage of BBA Aviation at ‘buy’ with a 210p price target, noting the shares have dropped 19% since 1 July 2015.
Europe midday: Stocks in the black as oil prices recover
European stocks racked up healthy gains on Wednesday as bounce in oil prices and better-than-expected Chinese trade figures lifted the mood.
Stanley Gibbons says it's considering fundraising options
Stanley Gibbons noted the slump in its shares on Wednesday and said it was considering a number of fundraising alternatives to boost its working capital position prior to the year ended 31 March 2016.
London midday: Chinese trade data boosts equities
UK equities rose on Wednesday after data showed China’s trade surplus unexpectedly widened on higher exports in December.
Game Digital unwraps better Christmas than feared
Following a profit warning just before Christmas, computer games retailer Game Digital revealed trading was more stable than it had feared, with improving trends in the UK and Spain.
Xaar confident of meeting 2015 revenue expectations
Digital inkjet printing technology group Xaar is confident it will meet its revenue expectations for 2015.
John Menzies boss steps down
John Menzies chief executive Jeremy Stafford has resigned from the logistics company for personal reasons.
General Electric to cut 6,500 jobs in Europe
General Electric plans to cut 6,500 jobs in Europe over the next two years as it integrates Alstom’s energy units into its operations.