Market Pulse
US open: Stocks rise but still on course for worst year since 2008
US stocks rose on New Year's eve, with sentiment underpinned by signs of progress in Sino-US talks, but Wall Street was still poised to end the month with losses, having suffered its worst year since the financial crisis in 2008.
London close: Stocks end 2018 with a whimper; FTSE down 12% for the year
London stocks ended 2018 with a whimper rather a bang on Monday, as investors weighed up signs of improving relations between the US and China against disappointing Chinese manufacturing data, amid a dearth of UK corporate and macroeconomic news flow.
Asia report: Markets mixed on short, low-volume New Year's Eve
Markets finished mixed in Asia on the final day of 2018, as traders looked back on a year of global declines.
PowerHouse clarifies IP position after Sunday Express error
Technology company PowerHouse Energy Group was forced to respond to a report from weekend tabloid the Sunday Express on Monday, which had reported a day prior that PowerHouse’s development partner Waste2Tricity had patented a method of turning plastic into hydrogen.
URU Metals narrows losses as it works towards revenue
Pre-revenue company URU Metals announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 September on Monday, reporting an operating loss of $0. 41m, narrowing from $0. 54m a year earlier.
Europe close: Continental stocks end year in muted mood
European shares saw out 2018 in subdued mood as investors pondered the likelihood of a US-China trade deal in the absence of any significant corporate news.
DekelOil takes early option in Pearlside cashew processing project
West Africa-focussed agricultural company DekelOil Public has entered into a new, revised option agreement to acquire an initial 43. 8% interest in the share capital of Pearlside Holdings from Trustland Management, it announced on Monday.
Criticism for UK overreaction to 'migrant crisis'
UK government ministers have been criticised for whipping up a political storm around the small smattering of migrants crossing the English Channel since Christmas.
Catenae makes operational progress as board assures shareholders over viability
Digital media and technology provider Catenae Innovation reported some operational progress, but concerns over its ongoing viability as a going concern on Monday, in its final results for the year ended 30 September.
ImmuPharma and Incanthera extend exclusivity period for Nucant agreement
Specialist drug discovery and development company ImmuPharma updated the market on its clinical development collaboration agreement for its 'Nucant' cancer programme on Monday, with specialist oncology development partner Incanthera.
AMG adds names to management board of new operating division
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group named Guido Löber as chairman of the management board of AMG Technologies on Monday.
Leasinvest Real Estate acquires hangar building in 'trendy' Antwerp
Leasinvest Real Estate has acquired the Hangar 26/27 building in the Eilandje district in Antwerp, it announced on Monday, which has direct views over both the river Scheldt and the MAS museum (Museum aan de Stroom).
US pre-open: Stocks seen up amid US-China trade hopes
US stocks looked set for a positive start on the last trading day of 2018, with sentiment likely to be underpinned by signs of progress in Sino-US trade talks.
S4's Sorrell points to strong momentum
S4 Capital, the new venture set up by Sir Martin Sorrell, reported strong momentum in the final quarter of the year after wrapping up a new deal on Christmas Eve.
Bagir CFO set to leave, Shandong Ruyi investment completion pushed back
AIM-listed Bagir confirmed on Monday that 2018 trading was in line with management expectations as it said the completion date for Shandong Ruyi’s investment in the company has been pushed back.
Europe open: Investors cling to hopes on China-US talks
European shares opened flat on the last trading day of the year as investors pondered the likelihood of a US-China trade deal in the absence of any significant corporate news.
China manufacturing activity drops to near three-year low in December
Chinese manufacturing activity hit a near three-year low in December, according to official data released on Monday.
London open: Stocks nudge lower amid US-China hopes, weak China data
London stocks nudged a touch lower in early trade on the final trading day of 2018, as investors weighed up signs of improving relations between the US and China against disappointing Chinese manufacturing data, amid a dearth of UK corporate and macroeconomic news.
Croda completes acquisition of Brenntag Biosector
Croda has completed the acquisition of Brenntag Biosector - a specialist in the manufacture and supply of adjuvants serving both the human and veterinary vaccine markets - from Brenntag Nordic, it announced on Monday.
London pre-open: Stocks to edge up on final trading day of 2018
London stocks looked set to edge higher at the open in the final trading session of 2018, amid a dearth of corporate and macroeconomic news flow.