Market Pulse
WPP invests in UK-based online medical education provider
Media agency WPP has invested in UK-based online medical education provider, The Corpus.
Telecable boosts Zegona's first half
Zegona Communications posted its interim report for the six months to 30 June on Wednesday, with revenue at its primary operation - the recent Telecable acquisition - up 4. 4% to €69. 2m, on total group revenue of €70. 5m.
Australian trade minister says no trade deal until Brexit resolution
Steven Ciobo, Australia's trade minister, has poured cold water on claims that the UK could gain a fast-track trade deal with the country ahead of the European Union.
Forterra's profits fall due to low demand amid economic uncertainty
Brickmaker Forterra’s first half year revenues fell since becoming a public company as it turned off kilns at two sites due to low demand amid housebuilding uncertainty.
Weiss Korea Opportunity Fund grows in first half, but still underperforms
Weiss Korea Opportunity Fund posted its half-yearly financial report for the six months to 30 June on Wednesday, with total net assets growing to £141. 38m, from £131. 14m at the beginning of the period.
Futura Medical perks up on 'breakthrough' erectile dysfunction study
Shares in AIM-listed Futura Medical perked up to a two-year high as the company revealed that trials of its erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment had found it to be effective, safe and with the potential to be the fastest-acting product on the market.
Europe midday: Stocks edge higher despite weak German data
European stocks nudged higher as investors digested some disappointing German data and looked ahead to Thursday’s rate announcement from the European Central Bank.
London midday: Stocks climb as pound slides after industrial and manufacturing data
London stocks climbed on Wednesday as investors weighed industrial and manufacturing data and awaited remarks from Bank of England Governor Mark Carney.
Tethyan Resources disappointed with Cadinje drilling results
Tethyan Resources announced disappointing drilling results from the six drill holes on the polymetallic Cadinje project in Western Serbia on Wednesday.
Sports Direct earnings fall short as Ashley commits to future
On the day of an investor showdown at its annual shareholder meeting, Sports Direct International said it expects earnings to fall over 20% this year but added that, contrary to much media speculation, founder Mike Ashley was not planning to take the company private any time soon.
Exane downgrades Rolls-Royce to 'underperform'
Rolls-Royce was under the cosh on Wednesday as Exane BNP Paribas downgraded the stock to ‘underperform’ from ‘neutral’ with an unchanged price target of 530p, citing little valuation support versus peers.
Riskbank stays put even as real interest rates set to drop
Rate-setters at the Riksbank stayed put at their latest policy meeting, referencing "still considrable uncertainties" abroad.
Hargreaves Lansdown reports jump in FY profit, AuM
Investment management firm Hargreaves Lansdown reported a jump in full-year profit as assets under administration grew and the company announced that its chief executive Ian Gorham was stepping down.
Volkswagen moves closer to electric cars with Chinese joint venture
German carmaker Volkswagen has made the first step into exploring the prospect of electric cars after signing a preliminary deal with Chinese manufacturer Jianghuai Automobile for a joint venture.
Atalaya Mining bullish on price of copper as it increases production
Copper explorer Atalaya Mining remains bullish on the long-term outlook for the price of copper as it announced it was ramping-up production after expanding capacity at its Andalucia mine.
ITM Power appoints new Managing Director for German subsidiary
ITM Power, an energy storage and clean fuel company, has appointed a new managing director for the company’s German subsidiary ITM Power GmbH.
Marlowe appoints permanent chairman as AGM begins
Marlowe investors were gathering in London on Wednesday for the company’s annual general meeting, with interim chairman Derek O’Neill reassuring them over their recent acquisitions.
US pre-open: Stocks set for muted open; Apple in focus
US futures pointed to a muted open on Wall Street as investors looked for more clues on rate hikes from Federal Reserve officials, with technology giant Apple set to unveil its latest iPhone.
Immedia buys Aberdeen-based AVC Media for £200,000
Digital audio content supplier Immedia’s shares soared on Monday morning, as it bought Aberdeen-based AVC Media for £200,000, to strengthen its multimedia content for clients in retail, sport and education.
Wednesday broker round-up
Centrica: Goldman Sachs downgrades to sell with a target price of 213p.