Market Pulse
US close: Markets eke out Monday gain
Stocks in the US mostly edged their way higher on Monday, extending a recent rally - albeit only slightly - with surging oil prices blowing steam into energy shares.
Bonds: Gilts little changed as market expectations for ECB action build
These were the movements in some of the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bond yields:.
First signs of inflation stirring may be apparent, Fed's Fischer says
The Vice-president of the US Federal Reserve indicated on Monday evening that he may be seeing the first signs that inflation was "stirring" in the country's economy.
Sector Movers: Finance stocks slip, as miners head higher
Miners headed higher on Monday following an uptick in commodities prices, but financial stocks slipped ensuring headline London indices started the week in negative territory.
Commodities: Brent oil caps $40/bbl level, platinum rises above $1,000/oz
Oil futures began the week on positive turf, with Brent and WTI futures posting gains for much of the European session on Monday.
Directors deals: Just Eat boss and finance chief cash in their shares
Two top directors at Just Eat offloaded a combined over 2m shares held personally by them, sending the price of the company's stock crashing early on Monday.
Europe close: Profit-taking in banks and oil stocks weigh on markets
European stocks were weighed down by profit-taking in bank and oil sector stocks on Monday, as investors' focus began to shift to this week’s European Central Bank meeting.
Market overview: Miners buoy Footsie
1630:Close Mining shares helped the Footsie to close well off its lows of the session after the price if iron ore surged, registering its largest one day gain since 2009, alongside rises in the copper and crude oil futures. Over the weekend, the Chinese government upped its targets for the rate of growth in money supply and the public spending deficit in 2016 in a bid to prop up economic growth. Shares in financials and Randgold led the retreat on the top flight index.
London close: Stocks drop ahead of ECB meeting
London stocks slid on Monday despite a rally in oil prices as investors played it cautious ahead of the European Central Bank’s policy decision.
Miners jump on the back of surge in iron ore price
Iron ore prices surged on Monday amid speculation a of a 'short squeeze' in the market after Chinese authorities announced measures over the weekend to prop up the country's economy and cut overcapacity in the steel market, which might help to buoy prices.
Seeing Machines swings to half year profit
Seeing Machines swung to a half year profit as a licencing deal with Caterpillar boosted revenue.
FX Roundup: Absence of major data brings mixed fortunes for global crosses
None of the major forex crosses dominated market proceedings on Monday, in the absence of any significant data releases at the start of a new trading week that would see the European Central Bank’s Governing Council convene on Thursday.
Escher Group swings to full year profit
AIM-listed Escher Group said on Monday that it swung to a pre-tax profit in 2015 and expressed confidence about the prospects for this year and beyond.
India's 2017 budget moderately 'credit positive', Moody's says
India’s fiscal 2017 budget, released on 29 February, is moderately ‘credit positive’ for most sectors, but efforts at deficit reduction will remain challenging, according to Moody’s.
Stobart Group sees full year results in line
Stobart Group expects its full year underlying results to be in line with management views and ahead of last year, with infrastructure exceeding its expectations.
XLMedia appoints non-executive director
XLMedia, an AIM-listed digital performance marketing services provider, has appointed Amit Ben-Yehuda as a non-executive director with immediate effect.
US open: Equities track declines in Europe ahead of ECB meeting
US stocks tracked declines in Europe on Monday, snapping three weeks of gains despite a rebound in oil prices.
FTSE 100 movers: Randgold drops on downgrade; Old Mutual jumps on break-up reports
London’s FTSE 100 was down 1% to 6,137. 91 at 1425 GMT as commodity stocks were hit by declining prices, but Old Mutual shares surged.
Wood Group senior director to stand down
David Woodward, a senior independent non-executive director at oilfield services firm Wood Group, is to stand down.