Market Pulse
London Capital Group says unaware of reason for share price jump
London Capital Group noted the jump in its share price on Friday, saying it was not aware of any reason for the movement.
London midday: Stocks flat ahead of US GDP and Yellen speech
UK stocks were flat on Friday as traders looked ahead to data on US economic growth and a speech from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
Europe midday: Stocks struggle for direction
European equity markets were little changed on Friday, struggling for direction as oil prices fell back and investors awaited a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
US pre-open: Stocks seen touch higher as investors eye Yellen, oil price
US futures suggested stocks on Wall Street would open just a touch higher on Friday amid weaker oil prices and with investors likely reluctant to make bold moves ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen and GDP data.
Citi reiterates underweight stance on global equities
Analysts at Citi reiterated their cautious view on global equities, pointing out the recent so-called 'bull flattening' seen in the US government interest rate curve.
Pinnacle Technology buys adept4
Pinnacle Technology has bought cloud based IT services provider adept4 for £5. 5m.
Fund flows flirting with contrarian buy signal, BofA says
Flows into and out of the different asset classes over the latest week were flirting with a possible 'contrarian' buy signal in global equities, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch strategists said.
Watchstone FY loss narrows but impairment charges a drag
Watchstone Group, the insurance technology firm formerly known as Quindell, posted a slightly narrower loss for the year to the end of December.
SocGen cuts M&S but says worth holding onto for dividend yield
Societe Generale downgraded Marks & Spencer to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ and cut the price target to 424p from 545p following the retailer’s full-year results earlier in the week.
Shire shareholders approve Baxalta merger
Shire’s shareholders have approved the company’s $32bn merger with US-based Baxalta Inc.
UK consumer confidence unexpectedly improves in May, says GfK
UK consumer confidence picked up in May as optimism on personal finances improved, a survey revealed on Friday.
Exane flags concerns around earnings quality at Capita
The quality of Capita´s earnings is weak and both on and off-balance sheet liabilities continue to rise, analysts at Exane BNP Paribas said.
AstraZeneca gets positive breast cancer trial results; potassium drug suffers setback
Phamaceuticals giant AstraZeneca announced positive results for its Faslodex drug for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, but also said US regulators will not currently approve its new drug for high potassium levels because of a manufacturing issue.
Berenberg starts Softcat at 'buy'
Berenberg initiated coverage of Softcat, which provides IT infrastructure to corporate and public sector organisations, with a ‘buy’ rating and a 425p price target.
G7 warns of Brexit risks, EU fast-tracks trade talks with Japan
G7 leaders reached a commitment during their summit in Japan to foster strong global growth while calling attention to the multiple geopolitical risks looming on the horizon, including concerns over North Korea, Russia and the maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
Europe open: Stocks nudge lower as oil retreats, ahead of Yellen speech
European equity markets nudged lower in early trade as oil prices fell back and investors awaited a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
London open: Stocks rise as UK consumer confidence improves
London stocks edged slightly higher on Friday after a report showed an improvement in UK consumer confidence and as investors awaited data on US economic growth.
London pre-open: G7 warns of Brexit risks
Stocks are set for a slightly lower open as traders tread cautiously ahead of a speech by Fed chair Janet Yellen towards the close of trading in London and ahead of the release of key economic indicators Stateside.
Anglo American appoints new De Beers CEO
Anglo American has appointed Bruce Cleaver as chief executive officer of its diamonds business, De Beers, following Philippe Mellier's decision to step down after five years.
HICL Infrastructure nabs stake in Ireland Primary Care Centres Project
HICL Infrastructure Company has acquired a 60% stake in the Ireland Primary Care Centres Project for €11. 6m.