Market Pulse
London close: Chinese data delivers boost to miners
London stocks finished on a mixed note as metals' prices advanced on the back of stronger than expected Chinese economic data, aiding the Footsie, and investors took heart from solid jobs data at home.
Everyman opens more cinemas
Everyman, a UK based independent cinema network, is expanding to more venues around the UK.
Fitch removes Evraz from Watch Negative
Evraz's progress in lowering its absolute levels of debt and the outlook for roughly stable steel prices led one of the world's three largest ratings agency to remove the company's debt ratings from its blacklist.
ImmuPharma makes positive progress in Lupuzor trials
Specialist drug discovery and development company ImmuPharma updated the market on the progress of its Phase III clinical trial of Lupuzor - its lead programme for the potential breakthrough compound for Lupus - on Wednesday.
Torotrak joins off-highway drivetrain consortium
Developer and supplier of emissions reduction and fuel efficiency technology, Torotrak, announced the award of funding from the UK's Advanced Propulsion Centre UK on Wednesday, to work in a co-funded consortium including Turner Powertrain System and the University of Hertfordshire on an off-highway project.
Directors dealing: Zambeef director get skin in the game after chicken deal
The purchase of some Zambeef shares by director Graham Clark helped lift the shares in the Zambian food producer back to near a two-year high.
Character Group confident despite currency challenges
Toys, games and giftware company The Character Group issued a trading update on Wednesday, reporting that solid progress was still being made with the board expecting to deliver results for the year to 31 August that will meet market expectations.
Bayer to buy Monsanto for $128 a share
German chemicals and drugs firm Bayer has agreed to buy US seed giant Monsanto for $128 per share in an all-cash transaction that will create a company worth $66bn.
Parkmead increases stake in North Sea oil fields
AIM-listed oil and gas company Parkmead increased its stake in the Perth and Dolphin oil fields in the North Sea, which significantly increased the company’s oil reserves.
Scarlett range pushes Focusrite revenues higher
Global music and audio products company Focusrite updated the market on its full-year expectations on Wednesday, confirming it expects revenue for the year ending 31 August to be approximately £54m, following a strong performance in the second half.
Singapore Airlines will not continue Airbus lease beyond next year
The world's biggest passenger plane Airbus A380 will not have its lease extended with Singapore Airlines for its first plane beyond next October, the airline has confirmed.
Quixant surges on integration of Denistron
Gaming technology company Quixant announced its interim financial results for the six months to 30 June on Wednesday, which included a full six month contribution by Densitron Technologies, acquired in November 2015.
UK gov to trigger Article 50 in January, says Farage
The British government is likely to trigger formal Brexit talks with the European Union in January 2017, the former leader of Ukip, Nigel Farage said on Wednesday.
Headlam appoints Steve Wilson as CEO
Floorcoverings distributor Headlam appointed Steve Wilson chief executive on Wednesday, with immediate effect.
FCA looks to ban former Barclays Wealth exec Andrew Tinney
The Financial Conduct Authority has proposed that Andrew Tinney, formerly chief operating officer of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, be publicly censured and banned from carrying out any senior financial roles.
US open: Stocks in the black as M&A activity provides a boost
US stocks were firmer in early trade following heavy losses in the previous session as M&A activity provided a boost.
Epwin Group revenue and profit well ahead in first half
Vertically integrated manufacturer of low maintenance building products, Epwin Group, announced its half year results for the six months to 30 June on Wednesday, with revenue rising 15. 5% to £143. 3m.
Shire gets FDA approval for primary immunodeficiency drug
The US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for Shire’s Cuvitru drug for the treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency, which is a group of more than 300 genetic disorders.
Thursday preview: BoE seen sitting tight, after Next and ONS retail numbers
Thursday's monetary policy announcement from the Bank of England is expected to see the rate-setting committee sit tight, with odds against an interest rate move increasing after relatively robust unemployment data was released.
Wilmington swings to loss on goodwill impairment
Business information and education services company Wilmington announced its full year results for the year to 30 June on Wednesday, with revenue up 11% to £105. 7m.