Market Pulse
CMC Markets readies IPO
London-based spreadbetting company CMC Markets has announced its intention to offer shares via an initial public offering.
Intel shares drop after fourth quarter margins slip
Intel unveiled better-than-expected fourth quarter earnings and sales after the close of markets on Thursday, but guided towards lower gross margins for the following three months, sending its shares promptly lower.
Drop in inflation expectations is becoming worrisome, Fed's Bullard says
The recent drop in oil prices is a net ‘positive’ for the US economy, as accelerating consumption up until mid-2015 showed, but the decline in market-based inflation expectations that has accompanied it “is becoming worrisome”, a top-ranking US central bank official said on Thursday.
US close: Stocks close higher on oil price recovery
US stocks closed higher on Thursday as a recovery in oil prices boosted the energy sector.
Barclays pushes back BoE rate hike call to end-2016
The Bank of England will wait until the last quarter of 2016 before increasing Bank Rate for the first time, due to the multiple risks the British economy was now facing, easing economic activity and the lack of price pressures, Barclays said.
Iran sanctions may be lifted as soon as Monday
International sanctions imposed on Iran by the UK, US, and European as a result of its nuclear programme may be lifted by next Monday, Bloomberg reported, citing the country’s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi.
Commodities: Oil futures see modest upticks, precious metals struggle
Oil futures posted modest upticks on Thursday, but precious metals continued to falter.
Sector movers: Resource stocks extend recovery run
Resource stocks continued their recovery run on Thursday, but both headline indices ended up on a negative turf at the close of market proceedings in London.
London close: Stocks slide as BoE keeps rates unchanged
UK equities declined as the Bank of England decided to keep its benchmark interest rates unchanged, despite a top Fed official - and well-known hawk - sounding a not completely unexpected dovish note in a speech on Thursday afternoon, and analysts pushing out their forecasts for the first hike in UK interest rates.
Europe close: Losses in auto sector drive stocks lower
European equity markets managed to trim their losses on Thursday, apparently after a top US central bank official sounded a 'dovish' note and oil prices bounced back, but still suffered a considerable setback with the auto sector at the bottom of the pile.
Drop in fuel costs, dollar strength weigh on US import prices
Import prices in the US declined sharply in December, led by a drop in the cost of fuel imports.
Citi upgrades BHP Billiton and offers dividend and capex cutting advice
Citi has upgraded BHP Billiton shares to 'buy' after the price more than halved last year, but called for the miner's to cut its dividend and capital expenditure.
M&C Saatchi in talks to sell stake in UK advertising agency
Marketing services company M&C Saatchi is in talks to sell a 30% stake in its UK advertising agency to five members of the subsidiary’s management team.
FX Roundup: Dollar loses froth, BoE holds UK rate as expected
The dollar headed lower against a basket of major global currencies on Thursday, while the Bank of England held benchmark UK interest rates at 0. 5% in line with market expectations.
ITE Group CFO sells handful of shares
ITE Group revealed on Thursday that its chief financial officer had sold a handful of shares earlier in the week.
JPMorgan's fourth quarter numbers beat expectations
JPMorgan Chase & Co posted a 10. 2% rise in fourth quarter profit, surpassing expectations thanks to a drop in expenses and a solid performance in the investment banking division.
Debenhams appoints Sir Ian Cheshire as new chairman
Department store operator Debenhams has appointed Sir Ian Cheshire, former chief executive of B&Q owner Kingfisher, as chairman and non-executive director.
Citigroup upgrades BHP Billiton but says capex and dividend cuts needed
Citigroup upgraded BHP Billiton to ‘buy’ from ‘neutral’ following the steep fall in the share price and despite downgrades to iron ore and gas prices.
FTSE 250 movers: Underdone Restaurant Group drives market down
The FTSE 250 fell sharply on Thursday, down 259. 61 points (1. 55%) to 16,436. 16 by mid-afternoon.
Ascential announces intention to float
Ascential, the information and events company, on Thursday announced plans to float on the London Stock Exchange.