Market Pulse
FTSE 250 movers: G4S surges on results; Regus slumps on downgrade
London’s FTSE 250 index was steady at 17,687. 92 in afternoon trading.
Wednesday newspaper share tips: Regus, Standard Life
Regus appears to be on to something with its flexible business model and markets have caught on, the Financial Times´s Lex column said.
FTSE 100 movers: Pharmas under the cosh but Prudential gains on results
London’s FTSE 100 index was flat at 6,848. 44 in afternoon trade.
Brazil disinflation set to pick-up, economists say after July CPI
Price pressures in Brazil were set to ease, potentially paving the way for central bank interest rate cuts later in 2016 or towards the start of 2017, according to economists.
FirstGroup, National Express miss out on East Anglia rail franchise
FirstGroup and National Express both failed to win the East Anglia rail franchise, which the Department of Transport awarded to Dutch-run Abellio.
Dairy Farm splashes $190m on shares in China's Yonghui Superstores
Dairy Farm International confirmed it has invested a further $190m in Yonghui Superstores in order to keep its share of the Chinese supermarket chain as it completed a new round of fundraising.
Quadrise Fuels launching fuel trial in Saudi Arabia
Emerging manufacturer and supplier of MSAR emulsion fuels Quadrise Fuels International announced the execution of the memorandum of understanding for starting the “Production to Combustion” trial in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: City jobs freeze, falling land prices, 'heatwave' boost
The City jobs market is in the doldrums as a result of the Brexit referendum, as banks and other finance firms freeze hiring amid the economic uncertainty. The number of new jobs on the market dived by 27% compared with July of 2015, according to recruiters Morgan McKinley. It found just 7,890 new jobs last month, down from 10,920 a year earlier, and down from 9,060 on the month. - Telegraph.
Smith & Nephew hit by Barclays downgrade
Barclays downgraded Smith & Nephew to an 'equalweight' rating from 'overweight' because of recent disappointing results, risks from competitors and likely delays to earnings-enhancing initiatives.
Mobeus activity slows under new venture capital rules
Venture capital trust Mobeus Income & Growth posted its results for the six months ended 30 June on Wednesday, with net asset value total return per share for the half-year of 0. 3% and share price total return per share for the half-year of 3. 8%.
Europe midday: Stocks edge lower as oil prices decline
European stocks nudged lower on Wednesday amid weaker oil prices, with investors looking for fresh catalysts as the summer lull kicked in.
Salt Lake Potash posts promising test results at Lake Wells
Salt Lake Potash advised the market of the results of a comprehensive geophysical survey at Lake Wells on Wednesday, as well as “outstanding” initial test pumping results of brine from the Lake Wells paleochannel.
More than half of women experience sexual harassment at work
More than half of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, according to one of the most extensive pieces of research on the topic in Europe.
London midday: Stocks fall as BoE QE programme hits a snag
The FTSE 100 declined on Wednesday after the Bank of England failed to buy as many government bonds as it had planned.
Numis downgrades Regus, says shares 'up with events'
Regus slumped on Wednesday, suffering a second day of losses as Numis downgraded its stance on the stock to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ following the company’s first-half results, saying the shares are up with events.
Harvest Minerals spikes on promising fertiliser study
Harvest Minerals shares spiked as an initial study confirmed its Brazilian fertiliser project could be financed from existing cash reserves, with first production due later this year.
US pre-open: Stocks seen flat as investors eye fresh catalysts
US futures pointed to a steady open on Wall Street, with indices holding close to new record highs as investors awaited fresh catalysts.
Entertainment One rejects takeover approach from ITV
Peppa Pig owner Entertainment One said on Wednesday that it has rejected a takeover from broadcaster ITV that values the company at 236p per share.
August heatwave could boost food retailers by £290m
An upcoming August heatwave could benefit British food retailers by as much as £290m.
Asia report: Markets mostly lower as oil disappoints
Shares in Asia ended mixed on Wednesday, as traders concentrated on rollercoaster crude prices and looked towards a slew of Chinese data due this week.