Market Pulse
Tech consumer revolution happening in banking, says BBA
There is a “consumer led revolution” happening in the personal finance industry, according to a trade association for the UK banking sector.
London close: FTSE finishes lower on UK retail sales, ECB
The FTSE 100 ended lower on Thursday as investors weighed weak UK retail sales data and the European Central Bank’s decision to keep policy unchanged.
Mission Marketing expects double digit growth in first half
Mission Marketing Group, a marketing communications and advertising company, on Thursday issued a positive trading update for the first half.
Commercial property market in downturn due to Brexit, says RICS survey
The commercial housing market is the early stages of a downturn due to Brexit uncertainty, according to the industry body for chartered surveyors.
Polo Resources portfolio firm achieves milestone in Australia
Natural resources investment company Polo Resources announced on Thursday that Blackham Resources Limited has reported the successful achievement of another milestone towards gold production, with the commencement of open pit mining operations and underground development work at the company's Matilda Gold Project.
EasyJet flies lower on Q3 revenue drop, uncertain outlook
Budget airline EasyJet posted a drop in revenue per seat and total revenue for the third quarter amid difficult trading that was hit by the terror attack in Brussels and the Egyptair tragedy.
Good Energy customer base grows in first half
Renewable and carbon neutral gas supplier Good Energy Group posted a trading update for the first six months ended 30 June on Thursday, reporting strong growth in overall customer meter points up 36% to 239,750.
Jefferies says Purplebricks pushing patience of home sellers
Jefferies highlighted the long waiting times for people selling homes via 'hybrid' estate agency Purplebricks and set a 'underperform' rating and a target price that is a third of the current share price.
US open: Stocks mixed on earnings and data
US stocks were mixed on Thursday as investors assessed corporate earnings and economic data.
General Motors reports huge 157% profit jump
General Motors Co's profits more than doubled in the second quarter, alongside strong demand for truck and SUV products.
MasterCard announces agreement to acquire 92.4% of VocaLink Holdings
MasterCard Inc. has agreed to buy a 92. 4% stake of VocaLink Holdings, a company which offers payment processing services for UK payment schemes, for around $920mn (£700mn).
Strategic Minerals accepts settlement offer over Cobre rail works
Diversified mineral development and production company Strategic Minerals announced on Thursday that it has accepted a settlement offer in relation to its claim over rail works for the Cobre Mine in the US.
US existing home sales unexpectedly rise in June
Sales of existing US homes unexpectedly rose in June, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
Mercia portfolio company launches first VR game
Investment company Mercia Technologies announced on Thursday that one of its portfolio companies, nDreams, has successfully launched its first major virtual reality game, The Assembly.
Chemring wins further contract in US
Defence company Chemring has secured a further research and development contract on the Next Generation Chemical Detection Program of Record in the US and has progressed to the prototype phase on all three variants.
Sainsbury's launches same-day delivery in wake of AmazonFresh foray
Sainsbury's is poised to begin trialing a same-day delivery service in London, recruiting for 470 roles as it seeks to raise its game in the wake of Amazon's launch into the grocery sector.
UK banks eye profits from MasterCard's VocaLink takeover
Lloyds Banking and Royal Bank of Scotland could each make at least a £150m profit from MasterCard's proposed £869m acquisition of VocaLink Holdings (VLH), which is majority owned by a consortium of 18 high street banks that also includes Barclays and HSBC.
Tern makes progress with Flexiant debtors
Cloud and mobile sector investment company Tern announced on Thursday that the two business units acquired from Flexiant Limited for £0. 075m are well advanced.
Breedon Aggregates earnings well ahead in first half
Independent aggregates business Breedon Aggregates posted its unaudited interim results for the six months to 30 June on Thursday, with revenue rising 2% over the period to £163m.
Fastjet to raise £19.2m to fund new business plans
Tanzania-based budget airline Fastjet announced a placing and open offer to raise £19. 2m and said it plans to be in a cash-flow break-even position by the end of next year.