Market Pulse
Pennant finalises deal potentially worth millions
Pennant International finalised a deal with significant potential value on Friday, signing a contract with an unnamed aerospace and defence contractor.
Founder Robert Pooke retires from CentralNic board
One of CentralNic's original directors announced his retirement on Friday, with the company's board assuring the market his replacement would bring with him a wealth of valuable knowledge.
Weekend tube strike called off as station staffing dispute resolved
This weekend's tube strike has been called off by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.
Volkswagen delays release of full year results
Beleaguered German car maker Volkswagen will push back the release of its 2015 results and annual shareholders’ meeting as it needs more time to crunch the numbers following the emissions scandal.
Tube maintenance workers the latest to walk out
Commuters in the capital were set for another round of misery, with the announcement on Friday of a series of strikes by London Underground maintenance workers.
Friday broker round-up
Enterprise Inns: Barclays downgrades to underweight with a target of 80p.
US recession risks low, UBS says
The odds of a US recession by the third quarter of 2016 remained low - at about 16. 5% - economists at UBS said, referencing a proprietary credit-based gauge of risks.
US January jobs reports - Economists react
"Although the 151,000 gain in non-farm payrolls in January was a little below the consensus forecast of a 190,000 gain, the rest of the employment report was very encouraging, with the unemployment rate dropping to an eight-year low of 4. 9%. Adding to the good news, average weekly hours worked edged up to 34. 6, from 34. 5, and average hourly earnings increased by a bigger than expected 0. 5% m/m [. ] there does now appear to be a clear upward trend in earnings growth.
Imperial Tobacco changes its name to Imperial Brands
Imperial Tobacco has changed its name to Imperial Brands with immediate effect, following approval from shareholders at the annual general meeting earlier this week.
US open: Stocks slide after worse-than-expected non-farm payrolls
US stocks declined on Friday as the non-farm payrolls report revealed employers added less jobs than expected in January.
Broker tips: BG Group, Halma, Enterprise Inns
Nomura reiterated its ‘buy’ rating and target price of 1150p on BG Group after the company reported a rise in full-year earnings.
US nonfarm payrolls rise less than expected in January
US nonfarm payrolls rose less than expected in January, according to data from the Labor Department.
Nomura reiterates 'buy' rating for BG Group
Nomura reiterated its ‘buy’ rating and target price of 1150p on BG Group after the company reported a rise in full-year earnings.
US trade deficit increased more than expected
America´s trade deficit with the rest of the world increased slightly more than expected at the end of 2015 as exports of vehicles and parts slipped.
Halma's CenTrak acquisition to boost earnings, says Investec
Halma’s shares climbed on Friday as Investec said its acquisition of CenTrak will add to revenue and profit growth in 2016.
Friday newspaper share tips: AstraZeneca at least worth holding on to
AstraZeneca was in focus in Friday’s newspaper share tips after it warned 2016 profits could be hit with the expiry of the patent on its anti-cholesterol drug Crestor.
US pre-open: Markets wait for key jobs data
US markets were fluctuating ahead of key jobs data due out before the markets opened.
High-yield equities might see demand as Fed hike expectations fall, HSBC says
Access to reliable proprietary data can offer valuable insights into possible investment opportunities and equity strategists at HSBC thought they had detected just such an instance as expectations for Fed tightening decreased, thanks to the data they had on the holdings of international investors, the broker´s analysts told clients.
Velocys releases funding to complete US GTL plant
One of Velocys' more exciting projects made great strides on Friday, with the release of further funding to complete its ENVIA Energy gas-to-liquids plant at a US landfill site.
Shaftesbury continues to see strong tenant demand
Real estate investment trust Shaftesbury said it continued to see strong tenant demand, underpinned by robust footfall and spending, with good progress on its major schemes.