Market Pulse
Ibstock grows in first report as listed company
Ibstock revealed what looked like a year of solid growth on Thursday, as it published its first results as a listed company.
Ophir reports on 'challenging' year
Ophir Energy reported on an exceptionally challenging year on Thursday, with the FTSE 250 company posting revenues of $161m (£113. 47m), or $211m on a full year pro-forma basis, up from nil revenue in 2014.
Cineworld hikes dividend as full year profit jumps
Cineworld posted a big jump in 2015 profit and hiked its dividend for the year as it opened more cinemas and benefited from blockbusters such as Jurassic World, Star Wars and Spectre.
London open: Stocks gain ahead of ECB policy announcement
UK stocks gained on Thursday as Chinese inflation grew more than anticipated and traders braced the European Central Bank’s latest policy announcement.
Europe open: Stocks waver as investors eye ECB announcement
European stocks wavered in early trade, with investors reluctant to make any big bets either way ahead of the European Central Bank rate announcement.
Hiscox sells Hong Kong business to Well Link
Insurer Hiscox has agreed to sell the Hong Kong division of its Asian business for an undisclosed fee.
Home Retail's Argos sales improve at year-end
Home Retail Group reported an improvement in sales at its Argos stores in the final eight-week trading period for the financial year ended 27 February.
Aviva reports profit well ahead of expectations
Aviva reported operating profits of £2. 7bn in a mammoth final results on Thursday, an increase of 20% on last year. It said the contribution from new acquisition Friends Life of £554m, and £103m of underlying growth more than offset foreign exchange headwinds. The firm's full-year profit after tax hit £1. 08bn.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Deutsche Boerse, ECB, Sunday trading
Deutsche Börse has agreed to sell the International Securities Exchange, its US options business, to rival Nasdaq for $1. 1bn, as global exchanges swap assets in an industry shake-up. The deal will extend Nasdaq’s leading share of the highly competitive US options market, in which more than a dozen exchanges fight for business. ISE operates three equity options markets with a combined market share of 15%. – Financial Times.
Sky invests $6m in US sports streaming service
Sky has invested $6m (£4. 2m) in US video streaming service fuboTV, which provides subscribers with a premium, over-the-top bundle of sports TV channels.
London pre-open: Stocks seen flat ahead of ECB
London stocks are set for a steady start on Thursday, as investors look to the European Central Bank announcement amid expectations of further stimulus.