Market Pulse
US close: Rising oil prices drive market up
US stocks closed higher on Thursday after a third straight day of oil price gains.
Oil higher amid contradictory reports on possible output cuts
Oil futures registered sharp gains amid contradictory reports regarding possible plans to reduce oil output by the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries, in coordination with producing nations from outside the cartel, mainly Russia.
Bonds: Bundesbank´s Weidmann sounds warning over expanded ECB QE
These were the movements in the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bond yields:.
Tech M&A megadeals saw uptick in final quarter of 2015, EY says
The fourth quarter of 2015 concluded a year of multiple global technology dealmaking records, setting a new all-time high for annual tech M&A aggregate value, thereby surpassing the previously set record in 2000, according to research conducted by EY.
Sector movers: Resource stocks hold firm despite metal price dips
Resource stocks rose on Thursday despite a decline in metal prices, with headline London indices ending the session in negative territory.
Commodities: Oil futures continue to inch higher
Oil futures continued to inch higher on Thursday, amid conflicting market chatter of possible production cuts, while precious metals saw lacklustre trading following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain status quo.
Ex-MPC´s Blanchflower says Fed´s next move will be a cut
Thursday´s US durable goods report for December showed the country´s central bank made "a major macro-mistake" when it decided to embark on interest rates that same month, an ex-member of the Monetary Policy Committee said.
Europe close: Stocks down despite jump in oil futures
European stocks fell into the red as investors digested a batch of disappointing corporate news, weak readings on US durable goods and Eurozone economic confidence and a Federal Reserve statement that left the door open to a rate hike in March.
Some oil producing countries face alarming fiscal situation, researcher says
The fiscal situation facing oil producing countries is "alarming" if the 1980s are anything to go by, analysts at Oxford Economics said on Thursday.
London close: Stocks end lower on lacklustre UK GDP
London stocks ended lower on Thursday after uninspiring UK fourth quarter economic growth data.
Negative rating trend for Asia Pacific corporates to deepen, Moody’s says
The negative rating trend for Asian non-financial corporates seen last year will worsen in 2016, according to Moody’s.
FX Roundup: Dollar heads lower following Fed meeting
The dollar tumbled lower on Thursday following a non-committal policy statement from the US Federal Reserve overnight.
Modern Water secures major new Middle East, Africa deal
Modern Water's technology was set for new, widespread deployment across much of the water industry in the Middle East and Africa on Thursday, with the signing of a new agreement with Bilfinger Deutsche Babcock Middle East.
UK regulators to investigate former HBOS managers
The Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority announced on Thursday that they will begin investigations into certain former senior managers of collapsed lender HBOS.
Curtis Banks announces maiden dividend
A small reward for Curtis Banks shareholders came on Thursday, with the announcement of the company's maiden dividend.
Ortac Resources chairman picks up 10m shares
Paragon Group of Companies’ non-executive director Alan Fletcher purchased 22,930 shares at 3. 27p each, bringing his total holding to 82,930 shares.
US open: Stocks advance as oil prices surge
US stocks advanced on Thursday as oil prices rallied, with investors digesting mixed economic data following the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement.
US pending home sales weaker than expected
US pending home sales nudged up just a touch in December, according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
FTSE 250 movers: Oil stocks surge as crude prices rise
The FTSE 250 was back in the red by mid-afternoon on Thursday, down 12. 76 points (0. 08%) to 16,268. 22.
Anglo American surges after fourth quarter production report
Anglo American surged to the top of the FTSE 100 as investors welcomed its fourth quarter production report.