Market Pulse
UK car production tops one million for first time since 2004, SMMT reveals
UK car production exceeded one million vehicles in the first seven months of the year for the first time in 12 years, according to industry data.
Europe open: Stocks push lower ahead of Yellen speech
European stocks pushed lower early on Thursday as traders took some money off the table ahead of an eagerly-awaited speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen at Jackson Hole on Friday.
London open: Shares drift lower amid lack of fresh catalysts
London stocks dipped at the start of trading following a downbeat session overnight in the US and mixed trading in Asia.
Allied Minds losses increase but focus remains on future potential
Allied Minds, the university and government technology commercialisation specialist, reported an increased loss, smaller revenue and flat value of its investment assets over the first half of the year.
Essentra sells Porous Technologies business
Essentra has signed an agreement to sell its Porous Technologies business to Filtration Group – an affiliate of buyout specialist Madison Industries – in a deal worth £220m.
Spire Healthcare posts jump in H1 profit, reiterates guidance
Spire Healthcare reported a jump in pre-tax profit for the six months to the end of June as revenues grew and the company reiterated its guidance for the year.
Playtech H1 revenues up, declares special dividend
Gambling software developer Playtech reported a drop in first-half profit as it took a hit from fluctuations in sterling, but revenue grew and the company declared a special dividend.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower following uninspiring US and Asian cues
London stocks were set to start lower on Thursday following a downbeat session in the US and mixed trading in Asia.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Apple tax, Sports Direct, Panama Canal
The US has launched a stinging attack on Brussels’ tax investigations into Apple and other companies in an escalation of the transatlantic battle over alleged EU targeting of US multinationals. In a last-ditch shot before Brussels announces the results of its lengthy investigation into Apple’s Irish tax affairs, the US Treasury accused the European Commission of trying to become a “supranational tax authority”. - Telegraph.