Market Pulse
Karelian doubles losses as it continues development programme
Diamond exploration company Karelian announced its results for the year to 31 May on Thursday, a year in which the board said “highly encouraging progress” was made towards achieving its objective to discover, or acquire, and develop diamond deposits in Finland.
Premier Oil refinancing talks in final stages, on track for FY output guidance
Premier Oil said it is in the final stages of negotiations with its banks and private bondholders on its refinancing and it is on track to meet full-year production guidance.
Virgin Money slumps as WL Ross sells entire stake
Virgin Money shares slumped on Thursday after US private equity firm WL Ross & Co sold its entire stake in the company.
Eurozone inflation confirmed at 0.5% in October
Inflation in the euro area was 0. 5% on the year in October, up from 0. 4% the month before, Eurostat confirmed on Thursday.
Asia report: Stocks end mixed after lighter trading
Asian markets finished mixed on Thursday, with low volumes suggesting investors were keeping their wallets closed as oil prices continued their declines.
Retail sales rocket on thrills and chills in October, ONS finds
UK retail sales in October rose by the most in 14 years, official figures released on Thursday showed, as cooler weather helped drive winter clothing sales and grocers enjoyed a thrilling Halloween.
HSBC ups Japanese equities to 'neutral', stays 'underweight' Europe
HSBC upped its stance Japanese equities in its latest equity strategy note, but remained cautious on Europe as it made a series of changes to its sector recommendations.
Investec interims impress in face of economic uncertainty
Investec's banking businesses continued to be “resilient” in the first half, delivering a solid underlying performance despite high levels of macro uncertainty.
Keywords Studios buys Enzyme games testing rival for CA$5.4m
Video game industry services provider Keyword Studios has bought Canadian rival Global Video-Games Services, along with its subsidiaries including Enzyme Testing Labs, for CA$5. 4m cash.
Liberum downgrades Boohoo on valuation but still bullish
Boohoo. com was weaker on Thursday after Liberum downgraded the stock to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ on valuation grounds after the shares rose more than 216% year-to-date.
Majestic Wine swings to loss on acquisition, but reinstates dividend
Majestic Wine reported a pre-tax loss for the six months to 26 September, mainly on the back of acquisition costs, but reinstated its dividend.
WS Atkins H1 statutory profit down, underlying profit up
FTSE 250 engineering consultancy WS Atkins reported a 14% rise in first-half underlying pre-tax profit but a drop in statutory profit, as it maintained its outlook for the year.
Royal Mail revenues inch up as it braces for Christmas
Royal Mail’s half year revenue increased slightly thanks to its European business, while the FTSE 100 company gears up for the all-important Christmas period by upping its cost saving targets.
Europe open: Stocks flat as investors eye Yellen
European stocks were little changed in early trade as investors paused for breath ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen later in the day.
Kier Group confident on future as government green-lights infrastructure
Construction company Kier Group said it remained on course to meet expectations for the year and looked forward to a rosy future after the government approved large infrastructure building projects such as Hinkley Point and Heathrow airport.
London open: Stocks flat as investors eye retail sales, Yellen
Stocks in London were flat at the open as investors looked to the release of UK retail sales data and a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
Low demand for bull semen brings reduced profits for Genus
Bull semen and animal genetics specialist Genus published a trading update to coincide with its AGM on Thursday, covering the period from 1 July to 16 November.
QinetiQ revenue falls, though underlying profit improves
Science and engineering company QinetiQ posted its interim results for the half year to 30 September on Thursday, with orders increasing to £376. 8m, from £228. 4m, although revenue fell to £361. 8m from £370. 9m.
Close Bros hails 'very good' start to year on banking, Winterflood strength
FTSE 250 merchant bank Close Brothers said on Thursday that it has made "a very good start to the year”, mainly on the back of strength in its banking division and higher trading income in market maker Winterflood.
Ted Baker sales strut higher ahead of crucial Christmas
Further overseas expansion helped Ted Baker step up sales growth in the third quarter but the fashion retailer stressed that the Christmas period would determine whether the year will be a success.