Market Pulse
US pre-open: Stocks set for gains as UK voters head to the polls
US futures pointed to a positive open on Wall Street, underpinned by expectations that the UK will vote to remain in the European Union on Thursday.
Asia report: Markets mixed on a Brexit knife edge
Asian markets finished mixed on Thursday, with investors in the region on a knife edge just hours before polls opened in the United Kingdom's referendum on its membership of the European Union.
CMA investigation to cost energy industry more than £80m
The two year investigation into the UK’s big six energy companies by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed an £80m burden on the industry, according to reports.
Future plans share issue to acquire Imagine Publishing
Publisher Future has agreed the acquisition of periodicals and 'bookazines' specialist Imagine Publishing to strengthen its magazine portfolio for £14. 2m of newly issued shares.
Stadium Group warns on full year due to customer loss
AIM-listed supplier of wireless solutions, Stadium Group, said its full-year results are now likely to be below market expectations as growth will be affected by the loss of a significant customer.
Markit's flash eurozone PMI at 17-month low
Markit’s flash eurozone composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to a 17-month low of 52. 8 in June from 53. 1 in May, below economists' expectations of a reading of 53. 1.
Pound hits six-month high versus dollar despite neck-and-neck referendum race
The pound hit a six-month high against the US dollar on Thursday, underpinned by expectations that UK voters will opt to remain in the European Union at Thursday’s referendum, despite opinion polls showing the race was neck and neck.
Europe open: Stocks rise as UK voters head to the polls
European stocks rose in early trade as voters in the UK headed to the polls for the European Union referendum.
BGEO buys up rest of Georgian Global Utilities
BGEO Group announced on Thursday that its wholly-owned subsidiary JSC BGEO Investments has acquired the remaining 75% equity stake in Georgian Global Utilities for cash consideration of $70m.
Tesco sales growth continues as Harris + Hoole sale proposed
First-quarter results from Tesco confirmed sales growth continued for the second successive period, while chief executive Dave Lewis revealed plans to sell the Harris + Hoole coffee shop chain to Caffè Nero.
DS Smith full-year revenue up, boosted by acquisitions
FSTE 250 packaging company DS Smith reported a small jump in full-year profit as revenue grew, partly thanks to acquisitions.
Weir disposes of two renewables-focused operations
Engineering company The Weir Group announced on Thursday the disposal of two renewables-focused operations - American Hydro Corporation and Ynfiniti Engineering Services - for a combined initial consideration of £34. 4m, rising to £36. 7m subject to certain conditions being satisfied.
London pre-open: Stocks seen a little higher as referendum gets underway
London stocks were seen opening a little firmer on Thursday as Britons start heading out to the polling stations to vote on the UK’s EU membership.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Brexit banks, Brexit views, Brexit traders, National Grid, CMA
City banks have reportedly drawn up a list of demands for politicians if the UK leaves the EU today, calling for the slashing of red tape, open borders and a push to underpin the country’s status as a financial centre outside the EU. Confidential documents from TheCityUK lobby group show the group has a plan to mitigate the damage caused by a Brexit, and suggest it would be possible to promote a “relatively better long-term economic outlook for the UK” which would “promote financial stability” outside the European Union.
US authorities recommend against AstraZeneca flu vaccine
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca confirmed disappointing news to investors on Thursday, with updated guidance from US regulators recommending against its FluMist Quadrivalent influenza vaccine.