Market Pulse
US retail sales unexpectedly drop in March
US retail sales unexpectedly fell in March, according to data from the Commerce Department.
Mirland Developments' bondholders propose debt-to-equity restructure
MirLand Development's bondholders have proposed a debt restructuring that could converting $180m of the Russian property developer's debt into new equity.
Cobham boosted by JPMorgan upgrade
Aerospace and defence firm Cobham got a boost on Wednesday as Barclays upgraded the stock to ‘overweight’ from ‘equalweight’ in light of the recent performance.
JPMorgan first quarter results beat expectations
JPMorgan Chase & Co posted a drop in first quarter profit and revenue, partly on the back of weakness in its investment banking and trading businesses, but the results were better than analysts had expected.
Alecto Minerals agrees financing deal and DBO for Zambia gold mine
Alecto Minerals has agreed a financing deal for the construction of its Matala gold project in Zambia.
House of Fraser posts first profit since 2006
House of Fraser posted a modest profit on Wednesday - its first since 2006 - as the 59-store chain continued its turnaround under Chinese ownership.
BT ups cybersecurity recruiting after demand surge
BT Group has started a drive to recruit 900 staff over the next year in response to a surge in demand for its cybersecurity services.
Europe midday: Basic resources lead the rally on China export figures
European stocks racked up healthy gains on Wednesday, with basic resources leading the charge after encouraging Chinese trade data.
London midday: Rise in Chinese exports boosts shares
London stocks advanced on Wednesday as a bigger-than-expected rise in Chinese exports boosted investor confidence.
US pre-open: Stocks seen higher on encouraging China data; JPM earnings eyed
US futures pointed to a firmer open on Wall Street following encouraging Chinese export data, as investors looked to results from banking bellwether JPMorgan Chase.
More than 60 Post Offices to move into WH Smith
Up to 61 Post Office branches will be moved into WH Smith stores over the next 12 months, it was revealed on Wednesday.
Numis leaves Atkins at 'buy' after trading update
Numis left WS Atkins at a ‘buy’ rating on Wednesday after the engineering company reported an in-line fourth quarter trading update.
Tracey McDermott to leave FCA in July
Tracey McDermott, acting chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, will leave the organisation on 1 July when Andrew Bailey takes up the role.
Dunelm founding family sell shares to institutions
Dunelm's deputy chairman Will Adderley, son of founder Bill, has sold 4% of the home furnishing retailer's shares just weeks after its solid third-quarter results.
New regulations to help smaller brokers compete in London IPO market
Smaller brokers and investors could all find it easier to compete in the UK's initial public offer (IPO) market in future, according to new investment banking proposals put forward by the City regulator.
Eurozone industrial production falls a little more than expected
Industrial output in the Eurozone fell a little more than expected in February, according to data from Eurostat.
Asia report: Oil pushes markets higher
A rise in oil prices and gains in US markets overnight took Asia higher on Wednesday, with China trade data also showing promising news for exports in March.
Inchcape races ahead as JP Morgan reiterates 'overweight'
Inchcape raced ahead after JP Morgan Cazenove reiterated its ‘overweight’ stance on the stock and added it to its European Analyst Focus List as one of its highest conviction OW calls.
Output freeze likely at Doha but fundamental impact limited, says Morgan Stanley
The most likely outcome of the oil producer meeting in Doha on Sunday is a production freeze, with the focus on the terms of the deal, which ultimately is unlikely to impact fundamentals, Morgan Stanley said.
London open: Stocks gain as Chinese exports rise more than forecast
UK stocks gained on Wednesday as data revealed Chinese exports rose in March for the first time in nine months.