Market Pulse
Brexit risks increase to 35%, says Berenberg
Economists at Berenberg see an increased likelihood of a British exit from the European Union, or 'Brexit', after a shift in public opinion polls towards support for the "leave" campaign, dragging the pound to long-term lows.
FTSE 250 movers: Britvic keeps market bubbling up
The FTSE 250 was in the black and rising by mid-afternoon Wednesday, up 35. 23 points (0. 22%) to 16,214. 25.
Apple falls to $95 after cash flow misses estimates and iPhone sales dip
Apple kicked off its new fiscal year with slightly higher sales and profits despite what management termed as a "very difficult macroeconomic environment".
US new home sales rocket in December
Sales of new homes Stateside picked up significantly in December.
Shell shareholders approve BG takeover
Royal Dutch Shell has received shareholder approval for its £35bn takeover of BG Group, with 83% voting in favour of the deal, which would create the world’s largest liquefield natural gas trader.
FTSE 100 movers: Sage leads market back into the black
After a turbulent day, the FTSE 100 was up 12. 72 points (0. 22%) by mid-afternoon Wednesday to 5,924. 18.
Germany trims 2016 growth forecast
The German government cut its growth forecast for this year but insisted the economy was still “in good shape”.
Another setback for Xtract Resources at Chile facility
Xtract Resources was looking at another setback at its Chipeca Gold Mine in Chile on Wednesday, a month after two fatal accidents saw its processing plant operations there temporarily suspended by authorities.
Defenx banking on strategic partnership in 2016
Defenx was looking towards a strong 2016 on Wednesday, as it updated the market on its 2015 trading a month after its stock floated.
Datatec dives to six-year low on currency woes
Shares in Datatec fell to a six-year low on Wednesday as the South Africa-based ITC services group's third quarter results suggested full-year profits will be hit by currency effects.
Total production rises for Highland Gold
Total gold production was up at Highland Gold in 2015, though lower than expected grades resulted in some disappointments, according to a trading update from the company on Wednesday.
Expect moderate UK house price rises after help-to-buy scheme expansion, Moody's says
The expansion of the help-to-buy initiative in the UK will increase mortgage lending, leading to “moderate rises in house prices”, according to Moody’s.
Hunters Property full year results projected to be ahead of expectations
Hunters Property is expected to post results above boardroom expectations, notwithstanding a turbulent 12 months for the UK property market.
Renew Holdings year-end order book up 15%
Renew Holdings’ order book was up by 15% at the end of December, according to a trading update issued on Wednesday.
WPP snaps up US app developer
WPP has acquired US mobile app developer ArcTouch Inc, which has developed smartphone and tablet computer apps for the likes of Audi, CBS, Yahoo and Saleforce.
US pre-open: All eyes on the Fed
With all eyes cautiously on the Federal Reserve ahead of today’s interest rate announcement, markets dropped in pre-market trading as oil fell and Apple shares slipped.
Analysts mostly negative on Aberdeen but some see value
Shares in Aberdeen Asset Management were volatile after the emerging markets-focused fund manager continued to endure outflows in the last three months of 2015, but some analysts were seeing the positives.
Chinese authorities warn Soros from speculating against the renminbi
Chinese authorities on Wednesday warned billionaire investor George Soros not to bet against the country´s currency, the renminbi.
Boeing drops after announcing weak guidance, drop in free cash flow
Boeing reported lower full-year 2015 earnings amid falling operating margins and lowered its guidance for the next year, sending the shares spiralling lower.
RBS sets aside £6.7bn for US mortages, PPI and pension fund
As well as confirming the bank will make a loss for 2015, Royal Bank of Scotland has announced a large clean-up in the fourth quarter, including £500m of PPI provisions, $2. 2bn (£1. 5bn) for US residential mortgage-backed securities probes, and £4. 2bn poured into its pension fund.