Market Pulse
US open: M&A news bolsters main market averages
A bevy of news on the mergers and acquisitions front pushed the main Wall Street averages higher at the start of trading.
US manufacturing grows more than expected in October, Markit reveals
US manufacturing activity expanded further in October, signalling a solid upturn in overall business conditions.
FTSE 100 movers: Airlines fly while AstraZeneca slumps
The FTSE 100 was just below the waterline in afternoon trading on Monday, as investors weighed a sharp drop in monthly UK industrial orders against better-than-expected eurozone services and manufacturing data.
UBS upgrades easyJet to 'buy'
Analysts at UBS upgraded their recommendation on EasyJet, judging the share price fall on the back of three profit warnings since June to be overdone.
Just one more interest rate increase is needed, Fed's Bullard says
Low interest rates would be the norm over the next two to three years, a top US central bank official said.
Kimberly-Clark shares fall after missing Q3 earnings expectations
Personal healthcare products company Kimberly-Clark fell in pre-market trading on Monday after releasing a third quarter earnings report which narrowly missed analyst estimates.
Draper Esprit sells software company and appoints new CFO
AIM-listed technology venture capital firm Draper Esprit sold its portfolio software company and appointed a new chief financial officer.
UK industrial orders fell further in October, CBI says
Industrial orders in the UK fell sharply in October, with most manufacturers stating that Sterling's fall since the referendum had a negative net impact on business, despite which business optimism staged a big recovery over the past three months.
Fusionex International's full year revenue to be in line with expectations
Shares in AIM-listed software solutions provider Fusionex International, which specialises in big data analytics, artificial intelligence and the internet of things, soared nearly 18% on Monday as the company said it expects revenue to be in line with expectations.
US pre-open: Stock futures rise ahead of data, earnings, Fed speeches
US stock futures pointed to a higher open on Monday as investors awaited data on manufacturing activity, remarks from Federal Reserve officials and corporate earnings.
WideCells increases headcount, continues Manchester development
Stem cell banking and insurance services company WideCells Group posted a corporate update on Monday, on its strategy to make stem cell treatment affordable and accessible and drive innovation and investment to the stem cell industry.
Frontera Resources begins stimulation in Georgia
Independent oil and gas exploration and production company Frontera Resources Corporation released an update to its operations in Georgia on Monday.
Abcam commits to massive new Cambridge headquarters
Life science research tools supplier Abcam announced on Monday that it has committed to the lease of a new facility for its global headquarters at the Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, subject to the grant of full planning approval.
Iraq balks at production cuts, cites war against IS
Iraq balked at cutting its levels of crude oil production following a meeting of Gulf producers and Russia over the weekend, raising fresh doubts among some market participants that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries would be able to decide on an output cut when it next met.
Microsoft to introduce UK price hikes on enterprise products
US tech giant Microsoft is the latest company to raise its prices in Britain as a result of the fall in value of the pound in the aftermath of Brexit.
GoldBridges confirms Sekisovskoye is on time and on budget
GoldBridges Global Resources announced an update on the development of the Sekisovskoye underground gold mine on Monday, confirming the mine development was proceeding as planned with all key milestones achieved on time and within budget.
Europe midday: Stocks gain with banks in the lead
European stocks started the week on the front-foot, with a much stronger-than expected reading on the single currency area's manufacturing and services sectors helping to offset a mixed batch of corporate results.
London midday: Stocks flat as investors weigh data
London stocks had erased early gains by midday as investors weighed a sharp drop in monthly UK industrial orders against better-than-expected Eurozone services and manufacturing data.
Legendary investment lands major NHS contract
Legendary Investments announced on Monday that its investee company, VS, has been appointed by the Shelford Group to deploy ‘The Edge’ to engage with NHS trusts' suppliers.
Premier AM's assets under management grew to £5bn in Q4
AIM-listed Premier Asset Management Group’s assets under management grew in the fourth quarter, despite uncertainty in the market in the wake of the EU referendum result.