Market Pulse
Sky to invest $45m in Asian streaming service iflix
Sky has formed a strategic partnership that will see it invest $45m (£31. 6m) in Southeast Asian streaming TV service, iflix.
London open: Stocks rebound ahead of UK manufacturing data
London stocks rebounded on Wednesday ahead of the release of UK manufacturing data.
Jefferies downgrades BHP Billiton, says commodity prices will drop
Jefferies downgraded miner BHP Billiton to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’, as it argued that commodity prices are set to decline.
Ashtead slumps on Credit Suisse downgrade
Equipment rentals firm Ashtead was under pressure after Credit Suisse downgraded the stock to ‘underperform’ from ‘outperform’ and slashed the price target to 770p from 1,300p.
Europe open: Stocks edge higher as investors await ECB
European stocks edged higher in early trade as investors looked to Thursday’s European Central Bank meeting for fresh catalysts.
Witan Investment Trust posts impressive returns
Witan Investment Trust described 2015 as a highly successful year for its shareholders on Wednesday, with the company recording an impressive increase on returns, and declaring a 41st consecutive rise in dividends.
Cairn Energy pleased with oil flowing from Senegal appraisal well
Cairn Energy was "delighted" with the results of a second successful test well out of three drilled offshore Senegal, with oil flowing at rates that bode well for the wider field.
DS Smith expresses confidence as second half going well
DS Smith expressed confidence over its performance for the remainder of the year as it reiterated its medium-term financial targets.
SIG 'disappointed' by full year numbers
SIG was disappointed with its 2015 numbers on Tuesday, having published final results for the calendar year, but remained confident in the market and in itself to see a return to growth in the current year.
The Restaurant Group endures tough start after record year
The Restaurant Group served up a solid set of results for 2015, but like-for-like sales have faltered as the challenging trading conditions from the end of last year continue into 2016 and look set to linger for longer.
Diploma buys Cablecraft for up to £26m
Diploma has acquired Cablecraft for a maximum net consideration of £26m.
London pre-open: Stocks seen tough higher; UK manufacturing and production data eyed
London stocks are expected to open a little higher on Wednesday as investors shrug off negative sessions in the US and Asia.
Lookers reports seventh consecutive year of profit growth
Record performance in motors and parts drove another year of growth at Lookers in 2015, it said in its annual results on Wednesday, with revenue rising 20% during the calendar year to £3. 65bn.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Tesco, Brexit, bankers' bonuses, Hinkley Point
After helping pensioners to use the internet “over a cuppa” and assisting graduates with polishing their CVs, Barclays is now attempting to boost businesses by offering digital equipment such as 3D printers in some branches. The bank is planning to open up to 20 “labs” this year designed to provide space and high-tech equipment for local businesses, entrepreneurs, universities and schools. – Financial Times.