Market Pulse
Poor weather weighs on retail sales in April, CBI says
Retail sales in the UK fell rapidly in April, the results of a widely-followed survey revealed, although analysts attributed the drop to poor weather and the different timing of Easter in 2016.
Europe midday: Stocks little changed as focus shifts to Fed
European stocks wavered in a tight range on Wednesday as investors sifted through earnings ahead of the Federal Reserve’s rate announcement.
London midday: Stocks slide as UK economy loses momentum
London stocks were under the cosh on Wednesday as official data showed UK economic growth slowed to 0. 4% in the first quarter of 2016.
Asia report: Markets play waiting game ahead of Fed
Markets in Asia closed lower on Wednesday, ahead of key central bank announcements out of the US, Japan and New Zealand.
OECD warns over 'Brexit tax'
Britain’s economy could be 3% lower by 2020 if the UK votes to leave the EU, according to the latest study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
US pre-open: Stocks seen lower after Apple results, ahead of Fed
US futures pointed to a weaker open on Wall Street on Wednesday, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq under the cosh following disappointing results from Apple, as investors looked to the Federal Reserve’s latest rate announcement.
Outsourcery dodges knockout thanks to new Vodafone loan
Outsourcery, the cloud services company set up by former Dragons' Den investor Piers Linney, has agreed a new short-term loan facility with Vodafone in order to give it time to restructure the business.
CMA forces supermarkets to change price promotion tactics
The UK competition regulator has demanded several large supermarket groups to review their promotions and has been forced to arrange specific changes with US-owned Asda, with a government consultation set to begin into legislation and guidance on unit pricing.
Deutsche Bank downgrades StanChart on challenging revenue outlook
Deutsche Bank downgraded Standard Chartered to ‘sell’ from ‘hold’ and cut the price target to 454p from 460p following the company’s first-quarter results on Tuesday.
Amec FW appoints Halliburton man as new CEO, Q1 sales down
Amec Foster Wheeler has appointed 20-year Halliburton veteran Dr Jon Lewis as its new chief executive, and reported a decline in first-quarter sales.
Stagecoach cautions over challenging UK rail outlook
FTSE 250 transport operator Stagecoach said revenue in the UK over the last year has been low as it cautioned the outlook for the UK rail industry was becoming increasingly challenging.
Barclays upgrades Informa, sees good entry point
Barclays upgraded Informa to ‘overweight’ from ‘equalweight’ and lifted the price target to 750p from 630p, saying the recent underperformance provides a good entry point.
DS Smith expects to meet full-year forecasts
Recycled packaging supplier DS Smith updated the market ahead of its year-end on Wednesday, reassuring investors that group performance remains in line with expectations.
UBS ups Worldpay to 'buy' after pullback
UBS upgraded Worldpay to ‘buy’ from ‘neutral’ saying the pullback in the shares provides an opportunity.
Foxtons first-quarter revenue rises but first half seen challenging
Estate agent Foxtons reported a jump in first-quarter revenue but warned the first half of the year would be challenging due to a reduced sales pipeline and Brexit-fuelled uncertainty.
London open: Stocks fall ahead of UK GDP, Fed policy decision
London stocks fell on Wednesday ahead of UK economic growth data and the Federal Reserve’s announcement on interest rates.
Unite buys student accommodation site in Liverpool
Unite Group has acquired a development site in the centre of Liverpool with planning consent for 713 student bedrooms.
Europe open: Stocks waver ahead of Fed announcement
European stocks wavered in a tight range in early trade, as investors sifted through earnings ahead of the Federal Reserve’s rate announcement.
Henderson assets under management grow by £700m
Henderson Group increased its assets under management by £700m in the first quarter of 2016, it reported on Monday, to £92. 7bn.
Barclays in talks to sell French business to AnaCap
Barclays has agreed to hold exclusive negotiations to dispose of its French retail banking and wealth businesses, according to European private equity group AnaCap Financial Partners.