Market Pulse
PSPI continues asset sell-offs in first half
Former specialist real estate investment and financing company PSPI announced its unaudited results for the six months to 30 June on Wednesday, with profit from continuing and discontinued operations is reported at £0. 6m for the period, compared to a loss £3. 0m for the first six months of 2015.
Aldermore to stop offering bridging loans
Aldermore Group has decided to stop offering short-term bridging loans from next month as the challenger bank focuses on its residential and commercial mortgage business.
Uber sues TFL for English test requirement for drivers
Taxi-hailing app Uber is suing London’s transport regulator over new rules to private firms, which requires drivers to pass an English language test.
PuriCore secures two patents for immunomodulatory technology
AIM-listed biopharma hopeful Puricore has been granted two US patents covering the technique for producing its 'immunomodulatory' therapy for inflammatory skin disorders.
Trafalgar New Homes warns on full year profits
A week after property developer Trafalgar New Homes reported its 2016 results, the company warned that revenue and profit before tax in fiscal year 2017 will be lower than market expectations.
Target slumps as it cuts outlook
Target was under pressure ahead of the open on Wednesday as the retailer cut its outlook for the year.
Tax avoidance advisers to face tougher penalties from Treasury
In a bid to crack down on tax avoidance, the government announced plans on Wednesday for tougher penalties for accountants, lawyers and financial advisers who help clients avoid paying taxes.
Europe midday: Stocks edge lower ahead of Fed minutes
European stocks edged lower on Wednesday as investors awaited the release of the latest minutes from the Federal Reserve.
Access Intelligence boosts revenue but widens loss as restructure continues
Reputation and operational risk management software supplier Access Intelligence announced its unaudited half year results for the six months to 31 May on Wednesday, with revenue from continuing operations increasing to £5. 5m from a restated: £2. 0m in the first half of last year.
Gem Diamonds' profit falls due to $40m one-off cost at Bostwana mine
Explorer Gem Diamonds’ half-year profits fell due to weak demand for the rocks recovered in its Botswana mine which caused a $40m exceptional charge.
Ryanair to invest $1bn in 44 new routes after Italy reverses tax hike
Ryanair has forecast 10% growth from Italian flights as it invests in 10 new planes to service 44 new routes into the country after a planned airport tax hike was cancelled.
One Media launching new Men & Motors TV format
Digital media content provider One Media iP Group announced on Wednesday that it has completed the filming of a video pilot for a new ‘Men & Motors’ series to be pitched to all major broadcasters both in the UK and on the international broadcast market.
Evgen Pharma receives approval for breast cancer study
Clinical stage drug development company Evgen Pharma announced on Wednesday that it has received a Clinical Trial Approval from the UK's regulatory agency for the commencement of its Phase II clinical trial of SFX-01 in breast cancer.
Staples sales drop 4% in second quarter
Office supplies retailer Staples reported a drop in sales in the second quarter, with store closures and a stronger dollar partly to blame.
Lowe's slides pre-market as Q2 results miss expectations
Home improvement retailer Lowe’s Companies slid before the opening bell as it released weaker-than-expected results for the second quarter.
US pre-open: Stocks set for muted start ahead of Fed minutes
US futures pointed to a muted start on Wall Street as investors awaited the latest minutes from the Federal Reserve for clues on the timing of a rate hike.
Newmark Security maintains dividend despite drop in full year earnings
Newmark Security shares jumped on Wednesday after the company maintained its full year dividend due to an “optimistic” outlook on trading.
Robinson improves dividend package to mask soft market
A soft market and lower plastic resin prices continue to dog packaging group Robinson, which hiked its dividend as it expects slow levels of new business to pick up in the second half.
Asia report: Markets mixed as yen heads weaker
Markets in Asia ended mixed on Wednesday, following on from a lower finish in New York on Tuesday, though oil prices retained most of their strength.
UK unemployment stable but falling vacancies data 'suggests slowing'
UK unemployment barely changed in June, according to official data released on Wednesday, but July saw lower vacancies and an unexpected fall in the claimant count.