Market Pulse
Asia report: Forward Fed sends markets into red
Most Asia markets went lower on Thursday, after the Federal Reserve released its April minutes, increasing the prospect of an interest rate hike.
Macquarie hikes iron-ore price forecasts for 2016 and 2017
Commodity prices saw moderate selling pressure on Wednesday ahead of the release of the latest set of Fed minutes and after they were published.
Bonds: Interest rate curves steepen, FOMC voters set to speak
Interest rate curves steepened further on Wednesday evening in both the US and the UK, following the release of what some analysts described as a more hawkish set of Fed minutes.
UK retail sales rise more than expected in April
UK retail sales rose more than expected in April, driven by sales of food and household goods, official data showed on Thursday.
Dairy Crest full year profit up 23%
Dairy Crest reported a 23% rise in profit for the year ended 31 March and expressed confidence it could growth its market share.
UDG reports on a healthy first half
International healthcare services provider UDG reported a first half of “financial and strategic progress” on Thursday, with adjusted revenue growing 2% at constant currencies to €472. 4m.
London open: Stocks fall as FOMC leaves door open to June rate hike
UK stocks dropped on Thursday after the minutes of the Federal Reserve meeting last month showed a possible interest rate hike in June.
Europe open: Stocks in the red after hawkish Fed minutes
European stocks fell in early trade as investors digested the release of hawkish Federal Reserve minutes.
Unite reveals new £40m Birmingham project
Developer and manager of student accommodation Unite Group announced on Thursday that it has exchanged contracts to acquire a new development site in central Birmingham, on a subject-to-planning basis.
Balfour Beatty reports good progress on transformation
International infrastructure group Balfour Beatty was setting up for its annual general meeting on Thursday morning, where it was set to assure investors its transformation programme was progressing well.
3i Group ups dividend policy as portfolio performs strongly
After delivering a total return of 22% and lifted net asset value 17% per share in the year to 31 March, private equity giant 3i Group cheered investors further with a healthy payout and an improved dividend policy.
Cairn Energy finds oil at Senegal well
FTSE 250 oil and gas company Cairn Energy has successfully drilled the SNE-4 appraisal well offshore Senegal.
Thomas Cook tanks as it says FY earnings to be at bottom of range
Shares in Thomas Cook tanked on Thursday after the tour operated posted a narrower loss for the first half of the year but said summer bookings were down 5% and underlying earnings for the year are expected to be at the lower end of market views.
Spire reiterates expectations ahead of AGM
Independent hospital group Spire worked to assure shareholders ahead of its annual general meeting on Thursday, issuing an update before markets opened.
Pubs suffer tough April as restaurants enjoy further growth
The restaurants and pubs sector endured a further decline in like-for-like sales in April, as wavering consumer confidence mixed with inclement weather.
National Grid full-year pre-tax profit up 15%
Electricity and gas network operator National Grid posted a jump in pre-tax profit for the year to the end of March, with a particularly strong performance at the interconnectors business.
Informa on track to meet full-year expectations
Business intelligence, exhibitions, events and academic publishing group Informa confirmed its full-year expectations on Thursday morning, as investors mustered for the company’s annual general meeting in London.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower after hawkish Fed minutes
London stocks were expected open lower on Thursday following the release of hawkish Federal Reserve minutes after the European close on Wednesday.
London leisure market remains challenging, says Merlin Entertainments
Although market conditions in London remain challenging, theme park operator Merlin Entertainment said trading in 2016 has been "broadly" in line with expectations.