Market Pulse
Troubled retailer BHS given a lifeline by creditors
There was some much-needed good news for troubled department store chain BHS on Wednesday afternoon as 95% of its creditors approved a deal to cut the rent bill for the company's UK stores.
Flash crash trader to appeal after judge approves US extradition
A London court has approved the extradition of bedroom trader Navinder Sarao to face trial in the US where he is accused of playing a part in causing the May 2010 'flash crash' that wiped billions from Wall Street stocks in seconds.
Numis cuts DFS Furniture's 2016 profit forecast
DFS Furniture’s shares declined on Wednesday as Numis cut its full year 2016 pre-tax profit forecast by £1m to £62. 5m after the company warned of an uncertain outlook.
UK, Australian regulators team up to support fintech sector
Fintech companies in the UK and Australia will soon have more regulatory support, with regulators in the two countries signing a historic agreement on Wednesday.
DCC to buy Danish oil distribution assets
DCC has agreed to buy Danish oil distribution and retail assets from Alimentation Couche Tard Inc.
JD Sports expands European footprint with Dutch acquisition
JD Sports Fashion has agreed to buy the trading assets of Netherlands-based Aktiesport and Perry Sport from administrators for €26. 5m (£21m) in cash.
Europe midday: Stocks push up as travel and leisure issues recover
European equity markets rose on Wednesday, with Credit Suisse among the gainers as investors welcomed the bank’s latest cost-cutting efforts and travel stocks back in the black.
London midday: Stocks reverse losses after Brussels attacks
UK equities were slightly higher on Wednesday, reversing the previous day’s slide when explosions in Brussels hurt sentiment.
Hinkley Point will 'categorically' go ahead, says EDF
EDF Energy told Westminster on Wednesday that the beleaguered Hinkley Point C nuclear power project will definitely go ahead.
Peel Hunt upgrades Mothercare to 'buy' despite forex hitting forecast
Peel Hunt upgraded its rating on Mothercare to 'buy' from 'hold' and set a target price of 275p that offers more than 45% upside to the shares' last close.
Cluff Natural Resources buys three North Sea oil licenses for 1 pound
Algy Cluff, the wily boss of Cluff Natural Resources (CLNR), has taken advantage of the oil price slump to sign an agreement to pay £1 to acquire a share of three North Sea licences that the company said offered the potential for 400m barrels of recoverable oil in the near-term.
Sports Direct says full year earnings will be at bottom of range
Sports Direct put out a statement clarifying that its earnings for the full year to the end of April will be at the bottom of the range announced back in January, after shares in the retailer tumbled on Tuesday following comments from founder Mike Ashley.
Android Pay finally on its way
After months of speculation, Google finally signalled its Android Pay product was on its way to the UK on Wednesday.
Supreme Court rejects Trinity Mirror appeal over hacking charges
The UK Supreme Court has rejected Trinity Mirror’s challenge to reduce the £1. 2m damages that were awarded to eight phone-hacking victims.
Asia report: Markets quiet after Brussels attacks
All was quiet on the Asian front on Wednesday, with trading quiet and stocks mostly lower, but showing resilience in the wake of the Brussels attacks.
Paddy Power Betfair COO McCue to step down
Paddy Power Betfair announced that chief operating officer Andy McCue will leave the company and cease to be a director with effect from 30 April.
Cenkos Securities full year profit and revenue decline
AIM-listed stockbroker Cenkos Securities reported a drop in full year profit as revenue declined and the dividend was cut.
Lloyd's of London 2015 profit slumps 30%
Insurance market Lloyd’s of London posted a 30% drop in 2015 profit as investment returns fell and chairman John Nelson said contingency plans were being made for Brexit.
Premier Foods spurns spicy McCormick bid, proposes noodle tie-up
Shares in Premier Foods rose 44% to just shy of a year's high as it revealed it had rejected a takeover approach from US herbs and spices giant McCormick & Company and instead proposed a tie-up with Japanese noodle group Nissan Foods.
Europe open: Stocks on the front foot; Credit Suisse up on cost-cutting plans
European stocks rose in early trade, with Credit Suisse among the gainers as investors welcomed the bank’s latest cost-cutting efforts.