Market Pulse
Federal Reserve needs to stay forward-looking, Yellen says
The Federal Reserve needs to remain "forward-looking" when setting policy and to be mindful of the risks that might be inherent in keeping interest rates low beyond their 'past due' date, the head of the US central bank said.
US initial jobless claims unexpectedly drop to 43-year low
One of the timeliest measures of the health of the US jobs market surprisingly tanked to a 43-year low last week, according to data published by the Labor Department on Thursday.
US weekly jobless claims drop like a stone
One of the timeliest gauges of labor market strength in the US dropped like a stone in the latest week.
US core CPI dips unexpectedly in October
One of the most widely-followed measures of the cost of living Stateside undershort forecasts slightly in October.
Target plans hundreds of small-store openings
US retailer Target is planning to open hundreds of small-format stores across the country, as the company attempts to reshape its image and real estate assets.
Jefferies upgrades Aggreko to 'hold', stays put on target price
Jefferies upgraded Aggreko from ‘underperform’ to ‘hold’ but maintained its price target of 750p.
WellCare Health to buy Universal American in $600m deal
WellCare Health Plans has agreed to buy Universal American for around $600m.
Don´t expect too much from December meeting, ECB´s Mersch says
A top European Central Bank official delivered a shot across the bow of markets on Thursday, telling an audience not to expect too much to in terms of extra stimulus to come out from the monetary authority´s next meeting.
Conroy Gold losses narrow as it pins hopes on Clay Lake
Ireland-based resource company Conroy Gold announced results for the year ended 31 May on Thursday.
RedstoneConnect expands managed IT with £2.4m acquisition
RedstoneConnect, a provider of technology services for smart buildings and commercial spaces, has acquired Commensus, a provider of managed IT services, for £2. 4m.
Proactis completes £15.5m Millstream acquisition
Proactis Holdings, a spend control software provider, has completed the acquisition of Millstream Associates, a provider of e-procurement systems and services to the public sector, for about £15. 5m.
Journey Group to de-list from AIM
Journey Group is to de-list from trading on AIM on the London Stock Exchange after Jaguar Holdings bought the majority of the voting rights in the catering and cabin service provider to the airline and travel industry.
EnQuest raises £82m in placing
EnQuest confirmed the success of its placing and open offer on Thursday, raising a fresh £82m in the process.
EU unlikley to move euro-denominated contracts away after Brexit, says S&P
The EU is unlikely to seek to move euro-denominated clearing to the Eurozone, when Britain leaves the trading block, as it would increase stress on financial organisations, a ratings agency said on Thursday.
London midday: Retail sales buoy stocks
Stocks in London edged higher on the heels of surprisingly strong official retail sales data as investors waited on a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
Zoo Digital expands film production network in Asia
Shares rose in Zoo Digital Group, a provider of subtitling and distribution services for the entertainment industry, as it added another film studio and post-production partner to its affiliate network, consolidating its presence in Asia.
Shanks revenue rises and profit surges
International waste-to-product company Shanks Group posted its interim results for the six months to 30 September on Thursday, with revenue up 7% at constant currency to £348. 4m, or up 17% at reported rates.
Europe midday: Stocks mixed as investors wait on ECB minutes, Yellen speech
Stocks were mixed as investors awaited the European central Bank’s latest minutes and Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen’s testimony before Congress.
US pre-open: Stocks seen touch higher ahead of inflation data, Yellen
US futures pointed to a marginally higher open on Wall Street as investors eyed the release of inflation data and a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Dimon turns down Trump treasury secretary offer - report
Jamie Dimon is uninterested in becoming the US treasury secretary despite being approached by Donald Trump's team about the job, according to Fortune magazine.