Market Pulse
Asia report: Markets higher as central banks stand pat
Markets in Asia were higher on Thursday, as uncertainties around key central bank decisions melted away for the moment, with both the Bank of Japan and the US Federal Reserve standing pat on rates on Wednesday.
Lamprell H1 revenue up but swings to loss on Ensco settlement
UAE-based oil rig maker Lamprell reported a rise in first-half revenue but said it swung to a loss, partly as a result of its settlement with Ensco.
Lloyds of London warns on Brexit as it reports first half earnings
Lloyds of London warned that Brexit poses a “major issue” for the insurance market as it reported its first half earnings.
Sophos says US jury awards Finjan $15m in damages
FTSE 250 security software company Sophos Group said the jury in the lawsuit brought by cybersecurity firm Finjan has awarded Finjan a one-time damages payment of $15m.
DJI Holdings says looking at opportunities for new contracts in China
Chinese technology, content and services provider DJI Holdings said it is pursuing a number of opportunities for new contracts in China and also plans to strengthen its board with new non-executive appointments.
Barclays starts BBA Aviation at 'overweight'
BBA Aviation got a boost on Thursday as Barclays initiated coverage of the stock at 'overweight’ with a 280p price target.
LondonMetric Property pays down bank debt with £130m bond sale
FTSE 250-listed investment group LondonMetric Property has raised £130m through an institutional placing of senior debt to pay down its bank debt and allow it to increase investment in the long-let logistics market.
Europe open: Stocks push higher as Fed leaves rate on hold
European stocks pushed higher in early trade following positive leads from the US and Asia after the Federal Reserve stood pat on rates but suggested a hike would come later this year.
Exane downgrades Pearson, sees more turbulence ahead
Exane BNP Paribas downgraded education publisher Pearson to ‘neutral’ from ‘outperform’ and cut the price target to 900p from 1,000p saying it fears more turbulence ahead.
London open: Stocks gain as Fed stands pat
Stocks in London rose in early trade, taking their cue from positive sessions in the US and Asia after the Federal Reserve stood pat on rates but suggested a hike would come later this year.
Kier Group meets full-year expectations
Property, residential, construction and services company Kier Group posted its preliminary results for the year to 30 June on Thursday, falling in line with expectations as revenue grew 26% to £4. 2bn, or 8% on a like-for-like basis.
Rolls-Royce poaches Daily Mail CFO Daintith
Engine maker Rolls-Royce has poached Stephen Daintith from the Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) to be its new chief financial officer.
Thursday newspaper round-up: SME confidence, ECB, insurers, SAB
Confidence among small businesses is at a four-year low because of concerns among companies that the economy will weaken as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. A survey by the Federation of Small Businesses has revealed that confidence has fallen for the third consecutive quarter. Those who are pessimistic about their prospects outweighed those feeling optimistic for the first time since 2012. The lobby group described the study as a wake-up call for politicians to act to “avoid an economic slowdown”.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher as Fed stands pat
Stocks in London were expected to open higher on Thursday, taking their cue from positive sessions in the US and Asia after the Federal Reserve stood pat on rates but suggested a hike would come later this year.
Micro Focus reiterates flat-or-lower revenue guidance
Micro Focus confirmed full year revenue is still likely to be no better than flat compared to last year's.