Market Pulse
FTSE 100 movers: M&S climbs on update; Glencore slips on downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 index was down 0. 1% to 6,154. 99 at 1410 BST, although retailer M&S bucked the trend.
US jobless claims fall more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell a little more than expected last week, according to the Labor Department.
Belgravium Technologies bombs to new low after writedowns
Final results from Belgravium Technologies disappointed investors as the mobile data computing group crashed into the red after a year of consolidation and transformation.
Europe faces questions about where it's going, ECB's Draghi says
The European Central Bank is willing to do whatever is needed to bring inflation back towards its 2% target, according to three top officials on Thursday.
Lloyds speaks to advisers about potential insurance M&A, reports say
Lloyds Banking Group is planning to expand its insurance brand Scottish Widows via several acquisitions, according to reports.
ECB will do whatever it takes to meet inflation target, Constancio says
Rate-setters in Frankfurt flagged to markets their willingness to keep adding to stimulus if that was necessary to meets its target for price stability.
Netherlands Ukraine trade deal snub poses problems for EU
Dutch voters on Thursday rejected an EU partnership deal that would axe trade barriers with Ukraine, in an embarrassing result for the Netherlands government.
US pre-open: Stocks seen lower as oil slips; eyes on Yellen
US futures pointed to a weaker open on Wall Street following healthy gains in the previous session, as the oil price rally lost steam and investors looked ahead to a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
China forex reserves see first rise in five months
China's foreign exchange reserves unexpectedly rose in March, according to data released by the People’s Bank of China.
Kodal Minerals proposes West African acquisition and placing
Hitherto Norway-focused explorer Kodal Minerals has proposed the all-share acquisition of a group of gold exploration properties in Mali and Côte d'Ivoire and a fundraising of up to £680,000 to finance medium-term plans.
Sainsbury's ditches 'brand match' for lower everyday prices
Sainsbury’s has announced plans to scrap its ‘brand match’ scheme by the end of the month as the next step in its recent strategy to focus on lower regular prices.
Europe midday: Stocks reverse course as oil prices retreat
European stocks reversed earlier gains as oil prices turned lower and investors shifted their focus to the latest set of European Central Bank minutes.
London midday: Stocks decline as oil price rally ends
The FTSE 100 had erased early morning gains by midday on Thursday as the rally in oil prices snapped.
Samsung signals 10% jump in profit
Samsung Electronics signalled a 10% jump in quarterly profit on Thursday, suggesting strong early sales of its latest Galaxy S7 smartphone, though there were lingering doubts over whether the strength would last.
Asia report: Most markets rise after dovish Fed minutes
Most Asian markets rose on Thursday, with Japan’s benchmark finally breaking out of a seven-day spate of losses in the face of renewed strength in the yen.
Flybe descends to six-month low on weak demand and dollar uncertainty
Low-cost airline Flybe said it was on track for its summer trading as it reported stable passenger numbers for the fourth quarter and said 2016 results are likely to be in line with market expectations.
Investec downgrades Xaar but likes long-term print story
Investec has downgraded Xaar to 'hold' on valuation grounds and lowered forecasts but said it continued to like the long-term structural growth opportunity for the printing technology group.
Co-operative chief requests pay cut as 2015 profit slumps
The Co-operative Group said on Thursday that its chief executive has requested a substantial reduction in his remuneration package as it reported a big slump in 2015 pre-tax profit.
Marks & Sparks's mixed fourth quarter still beats forecasts
Fourth quarter sales at Marks & Spencer were up 1. 9% as the food business outperformed the market but was again held back by weak clothing sales.
JP Morgan downgrades Glencore, Antofagasta; recommends selling rally
JP Morgan Cazenove reviewed its ratings on a number of metals and mining stocks as it took a look at the sector and recommended selling the recent rally.