Market Pulse
Broker tips: PZ Cussons, Tesco, Johnson Matthey
Shares in PZ Cussons were in the red on Thursday as Numis reiterated its ‘reduce’ rating after the company warned of difficult conditions in its main market of Nigeria.
Wells Fargo beats first quarter estimates
Wells Fargo reported better-than-expected quarterly results despite the downturn in the oil patch.
Carnival confirms 17% increase in quarterly dividend
Carnival has declared a 17% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0. 35 per share after its recent strong results.
MPC votes 9-0 to keep policy unchanged, cautions on Brexit impact
Rate-setters at the Bank of England kept their main policy settings unchanged by a unanimous vote, but the minutes of their meeting revealed that they had grown more concerned about the impact which a vote to leave the European Union might have.
Bank of America slides as first quarter revenue misses views
Shares in Bank of America slid in pre-market trade as its first-quarter revenue fell short of analysts’ expectations.
London midday: Stocks flat as BoE keeps interest rates unchanged
London stocks were flat as the Bank of England voted unanimously to keep interest rates unchanged.
Europe midday: Stocks flat as investors digest Burberry, Unilever results
European stocks wavered in a tight range on Thursday as oil prices slipped and investors sifted through some disappointing corporate news.
US pre-open: Stocks seen flat as investors look to key bank earnings
US futures pointed to a broadly flat open on Wall Street following a strong performance in the previous session, as investors looked to earnings from heavyweights such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
Stock Spirits shoots higher after strong first quarter
Under pressure from a major shareholder to shake up its performance, Stock Spirits has served up a strong measure of its first-quarter trading.
RBS to axe 600 jobs at UK retail bank
Trade union Unite said Royal Bank of Scotland is axing around 600 jobs in its retail division and closing 32 branches.
Asia report: Weak yen, strong Nikkei lead markets higher
Markets in Asia ended Thursday higher, with a weaker yen and stronger Nikkei 225 leading the region into the black.
Mothercare tumbles as it highlights weakness in international business
Shares in Mothercare tumbled as the retailer highlighted difficulties in its international business.
Time to buy European banks, says SocGen
Societe Generale turned bullish on European banks in its latest Europe Equity Compass, saying it was time to buy as deflation fears recede.
Eurozone inflation revised up to 0.0% in March
Eurozone inflation surprised on the upside in March, with the final consumer prices index (CPI) reading revised higher to 0. 0% for the month after falling in February.
SocGen downgrades Tesco, sees scope for de-rating
Societe Generale downgraded Tesco to ‘sell’ from ‘hold’ and cut the price target to 150p from 180p following the company’s full year results.
IEA ses oil market close to balance in second half of 2016
Crude oil markets worldwide would return close to balance in the back half of 2016, the rich world's energy watchdog said.
Johnson Matthey boosted by Credit Suisse upgrade
Speciality chemicals group Johnson Matthey got a boost on Thursday as Credit Suisse upgraded the stock to ‘outperform’ from ‘neutral’ and lifted the price target to 3,100p from 2,850p.
Singapore surprises markets by moving to zero appreciation policy
The Monetary Authority of Singapore surprised markets on Thursday by shifting its exchange rate policy, leading to weakness in currencies across the Asia Pacific region.
Poundland on track for full year despite tough second half
Poundland said it was on track to meet full year profit expectations despite a difficult second half.
Europe open: Stocks little changed as oil retreats; Burberry and Unilever in focus
European stocks were little changed in early trade amid lower oil prices, with investors pausing for breath following strong gains in the previous session as they sifted through some disappointing corporate news.