Market Pulse
Further gains in global equities lie ahead, Kepler says
A rally in global equities since their February 2016 lows had further to run, as evidence mounted that deflationary pressures were easing, in turn allowing the US Federal Reserve to continue tightening policy "without causing trauma", analysts at Kepler Chevreux said.
US close: Stocks end up but off highs as oil slips back
US stocks closed up on Wednesday as a dovish speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen the previous day continued to underpin sentiment, although indices were off the day's highs as oil prices slipped back.
Commodities: Weak tone in commodities outside of energy
Trading in the commodity complex had a slightly weak tone to it on Wednesday, with the exception of the energy patch, ahead of Friday´s US jobs report, which might heavily influence rate hike bets Stateside.
Sectors movers: Miners lead charge on risk-on Wednesday
The mining sector led the way on Wednesday, along with stocks offering exposure to Asia.
Europe close: Stocks extend gains
European stocks continued pushing higher Wednesday, as investors welcomed dovish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen on the previous day and ahead of Friday´s all-important monthly US jobs report.
FX round-up: Calm trading in cable amid US dollar weakness
Trading in sterling was relatively muted amid weakness in the US dollar - especially against the currencies of some of the main commodity exporters - on the heels of dovish remarks from Fed chair Janet Yellen in the previous session.
London close: FTSE closes higher after Yellen's remarks, oil price recovery
The FTSE 100 closed higher on Wednesday after a rebound in oil prices and dovish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
Director dealing: Icap's new CFO dips in
The day after Icap gained final approval to sell its voice broking arm, finance director Stuart Bridges showed his confidence in the deal with a £118,425 purchase of shares.
Wednesday newspaper share tips: Premier Foods, Cerillion
US outfit McCormick faces a daunting task when trying to weigh up how much to fork out for Premier Foods, the Financial Times´s Lex column said.
Carnival makes a splash with improved earnings guidance
First quarter results from Carnival made a splash as sales and earnings beat expectations and the cruise operator ran up higher guidance for the full year.
Two more interest rate hikes likely in 2016, Fed´s Evans says
The US central bank was moving cautiously on monetary policy tightening due to increased global risks, a top policymaker said, with even a June rate hike being seen as possibly too soon.
US open: Stocks rally on private payrolls data, Yellen speech
US stocks advanced on Wednesday after a better-than-estimated private payrolls report and a dovish speech from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
Milestone Group completes premium-price placing
Shares in AIM-listed Milestone Group shot to a year's high after a fundraising at a premium price.
FTSE 100 movers: Heavily-weighted miners gain as dollar weakens
London’s FTSE 100 index was up 1. 6% to 6,200. 47 at 1440 GMT as investors welcomed Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s dovish speech the previous day.
Citigroup ups view on GlaxoSmithKline back to buy
Analysts at Citi moved to a 'buy' recommendation on shares of GlaxoSmithKline for the first time in three years, telling clients the group´s drug pipeline was "credible and undervalued" and that many of the broker´s previous concerns were now being addressed.
Premier Foods agrees to talk after McCormick ups takeover offer to £1.5bn
Premier Foods has agreed to enter talks with spices giant McCormick after the US company upped its offer from 60p to 65p per share, valuing the Mr Kipling to Oxo Cubes group at £1. 5bn.
US private sector adds 200k jobs in March
The US private sector added 200,000 jobs in March, pretty much in line with expectations, according to data released by private consultancy ADP on Wednesday.
FTSE 250 movers: Sports Direct up but retailers slump on Jefferies downgrade
London’s FTSE 250 was up 1. 2% to 16,953. 35 at 1345 BST, with sentiment underpinned by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s dovish speech on Tuesday.
London continues to fuel house price growth in February, says Land Registry
House prices in England and Wales rose 6. 1% in the year to February to an average of £190,275, data showed on Wednesday.