Market Pulse
UK retail sales rebound strongly in July, ONS data shows
UK retail sales bounced back strongly in July, according to official data released on Thursday, sending sterling surging higher.
Japanese exports fall for tenth consecutive month in July
Japanese exports shrank at their quickest pace since the Great Financial Crisis against a backdrop of weak demand overseas and a stronger currency, prompting aggressive rhetoric from government officials against undue strength in the country´s currency.
Evraz's revenue falls due to low steel prices and demand
Russian steel miner Evraz’s half-year revenue fell due to weak steel prices and low demand but remains “cautiously optimistic” for the second half of the year.
Asia: Stocks mixed as Fed minutes show indecision over interest rate hike
Asia stocks were mixed on Thursday as the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last meeting showed policymakers were divided over the timing of the next interest rate hike.
Ofgem proposes £185.4m cuts to National Grid allowances
Energy regulator Ofgem on Thursday put forward proposals to reduce National Grid’s allowances by £185. 4m.
Kaz Minerals first-half profit up, Bozshakol project on track
Kaz Minerals surged on Thursday as it reported a rise in first-half earnings and said its new Bozshakol project is on track for commercial output in the second half.
French unemployment surprises to the downside in the second quarter
Unemployment in France neared a four-year low in the second quarter, potentially helping French president Francois Hollande to meet his pledge to slash the number of people who were out of work ahead of the upcoming elections.
Vestas Wind surges as Q2 beats views, lifts revenue guidance
Vetas Wind Systems surged on Thursday as its second-quarter results beat expectations and the Danish wind turbine manufacturer lifted its revenue guidance for the year.
Chinese home prices rise in fewer cities in July
The pace of new home prices gains in China remained at elevated levels in July, although some of the details of the data appeared to suggest that the beginning of a slowdown might be afoot, according to some analysts.
Berenberg starts Laird at 'sell'
Laird was under the cosh on Thursday as Berenberg initiated coverage of the stock at ‘sell’ with a 230p price target following the company’s first-half results.
Premier Oil boosts full-year 2016 production guidance
Premier Oil increased its full-year production guidance, adding that it had reduced its cost base over the first half of the year which was expected to lead to higher free cash flow generation.
Europe open: Stocks egde higher; Vestas Wind surges on results
European stocks edged higher in early trade following losses in the previous session, as investors digested the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which showed policymakers were in no hurry to hike interest rates.
UK sugar tax to be imposed on soft drinks in 2018, government confirms
The government has confirmed it will introduce a soft drinks industry levy across the UK as part of its plan to tackle childhood obesity.
London open: All eyes on UK retail sales report for July
Stocks in London started higher on Thursday with select financials and miners pacing gains as investors waited on the July retail sales report.
Entertainment One buys virtual reality games and film maker
Entertainment One, still abuzz with rumours about a potential takeover by ITV or others, completed its own acquisition on Thursday, buying the remaining half of Canadian interactive content studio Secret Location, a specialist in the burgeoning virtual reality space.
UK commercial property Trust reports 1.9% net asset value return at half-year stage
UK Commercial Property Trust reported a total net asset value return of 1. 9% for the latest six-month period, amid stable occupier demand post the referendum vote.
Kingfisher sales slow in second quarter despite UK improvement
Sales slowed only slightly in the second quarter for Kingfisher as B&Q and Screwfix grew strongly in the UK and Ireland to offset a decline in France.
Telecom Plus not considering upping Opus Energy stake
Low-cost multi-utility supplier Telecom Plus said on Thursday that it was not currently considering upping its stake in Opus Energy Group.
Polymetal ups stake in Tarutin deposit
Polymetal upped its stake in the Tarutin deposit to 75% via an all-share deal.
Thomas Cook inks hotel deal with Webjet
Thomas Cook has signed a strategic hotel sourcing partnership with online digital travel services provider Webjet Limited.