Market Pulse
Sector movers: Next knocked off its perch again by slowdown in UK, global growth
Retailers registered the largest losses on the Footsie after Next cautioned that 2016 might be its toughest year since 2008 and downgraded its revenue guidance.
London close: FTSE ends lower as oil prices and UK retail sales fall
The FTSE 100 closed lower on Thursday as a drop in oil prices weighed on sentiment and as official data revealed UK retail sales fell in March.
Week ahead: US jobs report, global manufacturing PMIs in focus
Investors would be well advised to get some rest over the Easter break, as they will be greeted by an avalanche of first-tier economic data from around the globe upon their return.
FX round-up: Traders bet the house (Iceland) on Brexit
Sterling staged a small bounce in the last full session of trading ahead of the Easter break, amid a backdrop of survey results pointing to concerns about the outlook for growth both globally and in the UK – with Brexit risks not far from analysts’ minds.
Europe close: Stocks move lower ahead of holiday break
European equity markets fell into the red ahead of the Easter holidays, with basic resources and energy stocks under the cosh as metals and oil prices declined.
Premier Foods urged by major shareholder and suitor McCormick to 'engage'
US spice giant McCormick has appealed to investors in Premier Foods to consider its bid for the Mr Kipling and Ambrosia Creamed Rice owner, and said it might be willing to up its offer if the UK company's board were willing to "engage".
Japanese noodle giant takes stake in Premier Foods, rival suitor fights back
Mr Kipling and Oxo cubes owner Premier Foods has announced that Japanese noodle giant Nissin has agreed to acquire 17. 27% stake from an existing shareholder, though this move received stinging criticism from major shareholder Standard Life and an appeal to shareholders from US suitor McCormick.
Bonds: Gilts lose safe-haven bid, edge lower
The yield on ten-year Gilts rose by three basis points to 1. 49%, erasing the previous session’s Brussels bombings-induced gains as investors sought safety, against a backdrop of hawkish remarks from some members of the US Federal Reserve.
OneSavings Bank buys portfolio of UK residential mortgages
OneSavings Bank has completed the purchase of a portfolio of UK first charge residential mortgages.
StanChart shares plummet on read-across after ANZ warning
StanChart shares fell steeply in afternoon trading on Thursday, with market commentary referencing bearish guidance overnight from its rival Down Under for its commodities-related provisions, Australia&New Zealand Banking Corp. and a drop in oil prices.
Director dealings: Fevertree founders cash in on institution's thirst
The two founders of Fevertree Drinks have sold £17. 7m worth of shares in the premium drinks mixers group.
FTSE 100 movers: Retail sales, oil prices drag on index
The FTSE 100 was trading down on Thursday afternoon as investors ended the week early for Good Friday, with poor UK retail sales and falling oil prices dragging the benchmark down.
Tullett Prebon shareholders approve ICAP deal
Tullett Prebon shareholders have approved the interdealer broker’s acquisition of Icap’s hybrid voice broking and information business.
Hedge fund Starboard proposes ousting entire Yahoo board
One of Yahoo's largest shareholders has written a letter to the internet group proposing to replace the entire nine-strong board of directors with its own nominees.
Another US interest rate hike may not be far off, Fed's Bullard says
The US central bank’s decision not to move on interest rates in March was not inconsistent with the guidance provided by rate-setters when they met in December; indeed, a further tightening in policy might not be far off, a top official said.
Brazil needs deep reforms, El-Erian says
Brazil has great potential but needs a political environment that allows the country to make a sustained push for economic reforms, according to one of the most well-regarded economic commentators.
FTSE 250 movers: Mitie slumps on revenue warning; energy stocks decline
London’s FTSE 250 index was down 0. 9% to 16,730. 80 at 1425 GMT, as weak oil prices outweighed a slightly better-than-expected reading on UK retail sales.
US durable goods orders slump back lower
US capital investment in durable goods fell back into decline in February, after a spike in January, according to data from the Commerce Department.
US initial jobless claims rise a little less than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose a little last week, according to the Labor Department.