Market Pulse
RBC upgrades Rio Tinto but target price remains on downside
Rio Tinto shares have been upgraded by analysts at RBC Capital Markets after the miner adjusted its dividend policy.
US construction spending rises more than expected in January
US construction spending rose more than expected in January, according to the latest figures from the Commerce Department.
Fed's Dudley somewhat less confident of meeting inflation target
A key US rate-setter flagged increased risks that the central bank might no longer be on track to meet its medium-term inflation target.
Markit's US manufacturing PMI touch ahead of estimate
Markit’s final US manufacturing purchasing managers’ index fell to 51. 3 in February from 52. 4 the previous month.
Ford sees brisk sales and higher prices in February
Ford sold 20% more light vehicles in February than a year ago, with several segments posting their strongest sales in almost a decade.
Canaccord lifts Moneysupermarket target price after full year results
Moneysupermarket. com was given a boost on Tuesday as Canaccord Genuity lifted its target price to 352p from 342p and left its rating at ‘hold’ after the company reported a rise in full year profit and revenue.
Regus profits and returns impress
Regus reported strong growth for calendar 2015, with returns up and earnings surging over 40% in a year when 554 new locations were added.
Honeywell abandons pursuit of United Technologies
Honeywell has called off its pursuit of NYSE-listed peer United Technologies due to the target's "unwillingness to engage in negotiations", but had plenty to say about why it still felt a deal made sense.
Citigroup cuts Genel to 'neutral' on Taq Taq field downgrade
Citigroup downgraded Genel Energy to ‘neutral’ from ‘buy’ and slashed the price target to 120p from 253p.
FTSE 100 movers: LSE surges as ICE says mulling offer; Ashtead and Barclays tank
London’s FTSE 100 index was up 0. 5% to 6,129. 75 at 1420 GMT, boosted by M&A news.
LSE surges as ICE confirms considering offer
London Stock Exchange shares surged after Intercontinental Exchange confirmed it was considering making a bid for the UK exchange to rival Deutsche Boerse’s.
Goldman downgrades ITV to neutral
Goldman Sachs marked down its valuation of ITV’s shares as a result of the recent de-rating in its US peers and cut the M&A premium it attached to them, although it still saw the company as a potential takeover target.
US pre-open: Stocks set for positive open as oil rallies
Stocks on Wall Street looked set for a positive open on Tuesday as European indices pushed up amid stronger oil prices.
Jardine Lloyd impresses as results beat forecasts
Investors were impressed with what Jardine Lloyd Thompson called a 'resilient' financial performance in 2015, with revenues at the insurance and benefits provider up but profits down as a result of a sizeable investment in its US business.
Weak drilling activity, strong dollar hurts Elementis
A reduction in oilfield drilling and a strong dollar had a big impact on Elementis in 2015, with the company reporting its preliminary results for the calendar year on Tuesday.
Mitie secures NHS facilities management contract
Mitie’s facilities management arm has been awarded a contract by NHS Property Services worth in excess of £100m.
Tullett Prebon results solid but warns of FCA probe and 2016 slowdown
Annual results from Tullett Prebon showed profits were 7% but the inter-dealer broker warned of lower revenues so far in 2016 and that it was being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority over certain trades undertaken between 2008 and 2011.
Smiths Group agrees new pensions funding deal
Engineering firm Smiths Group has reached an agreement on a new pensions funding deal that will lower deficits and boost free cash flow.
Onzima arouses interest with viagra reformulation investment
Onzima Ventures has snapped up a 49% share in drug reformulations outfit N4 Pharma for £41,000 cash and 24. 27m new shares, which will be locked in by N4's management for two years.
Europe midday: Stocks push higher as M&A, oil prices lend support
European stocks pushed higher on Tuesday, shrugging of some weak readings on Chinese manufacturing as stronger oil prices and deal news helped to underpin the mood.