Market Pulse
US close: Stocks continue declines as Apple drags down tech sector
US stocks finished with some heavy losses on Thursday, as Apple’s move to slash its first-quarter sales guidance and a softer-than-expected manufacturing report spooked investors.
Friday preview: US jobs report, barrage of Fed speakers in focus
All eyes will be on the US jobs report for December, especially following a much weaker-than-expected reading on manufacturing sector activity for that same month published on Thursday, together with a barrage of Fed speakers.
Commodities: Oil futures edge higher after on fresh report of OPEC output cuts
Energy futures added to the prior day's advance, buoyed by softness in the Greenback and further evidence of output cuts by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Europe close: Stocks reel after Apple lowers guidance
Stocks across the Continent were left reeling after US technology giant Apple warned that its sales over the next few months were set to sharply undershoot forecasts due to poor sales in China, stoking renewed concerns regarding the outlook for the Asian giant and the global economy.
London close: Stocks drop but analysts don't throw in the towel
London stocks finished near their worst levels of the session on Thursday after US technology giant Apple cut its first-quarter guidance - its first such move in almost 20 years - and a key gauge of factory sector conditions in the States dropped in December by the most since 2008.
Irish PM warns that fresh Brexit assurances cannot undermine backstop
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warned on Thursday that any alterations to the UK’s Brexit deal cannot undermine the Irish backstop, which acts as an insurance policy to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland.
Broker tips: Next, Asos, Costain
Analysts at RBC Capital said Next's trading update was "slightly mixed" but that recent share price weakness meant any short-term negative news had already been factored in.
Director dealings: Highland Gold brass ups stake
Highland Gold executive chairman Eugene Shvidler and former chief executive Valery Oyf both significantly upped their stakes in the AIM-listed gold miner on Thursday.
Next lowers profit forecast despite trading in line over Christmas
High street fashion retailer Next announced on Thursday that full-price sales for the Christmas trading period, between 28 October and 29 December, were in line with the guidance it issued in September, and were up by 1. 5% year-on-year.
RBC Capital and UBS emphasise the 'positives' in Next's update
Analysts at RBC Capital said Next's trading update was "slightly mixed" but that recent share price weakness meant any short-term negative news had already been factored-in.
Europe open: Shares dip after Apple warns
Stocks have started the session lower after Apple warned after the close of trading in New York that sales over the next few months are set to sharply undershoot forecasts.
Europe midday: Stocks under water as tech rout extends
Stocks across the Continent continue to be mired in the red after Apple warned after the close of trading in New York that its sales over the next few months are set to sharply undershoot forecasts.
US open: Stocks head south as Apple's woes spook investors
US stocks turned in some heavy losses at the open on Thursday as Apple’s move to slash its first-quarter sales guidance and a softer-than-expected manufacturing report spooked investors.
US manufacturing PMI falls most since 2008 on China concerns, ISM says
A key gauge of factory sector conditions in the United States hit an over two-year low in December amid uncertainty over the tariff war with China.
Costain appears unaffected by delays to Crossrail, says Liberum
Analysts at Liberum reiterated their 'buy' rating on construction and engineering outfit Costain following the group's in line trading statement on Thursday.
FTSE 100 movers: Next update buoys retailers; Burberry hit by China fears
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 2% at 6,744. 06 in afternoon trade on Thursday afternoon, reversing earlier losses as retailers got a lift from Next’s latest update.
US private sector adds more jobs than expected in December - ADP
Private sector employment in the US grew much more than expected in December, according to the latest figures from ADP.
Dalata completes £91m purchase of new London hotel
Dalata Hotel Group confirmed the completion of the acquisition of Hintergard on Thursday, giving it ownership of a new hotel in central London.
Cabot Energy terminates Civita acquisition after 18 months
Cabot Energy confirmed the termination of its proposed acquisition of the Civita portfolio of gas assets on Thursday.
Metals Exploration appoints new CEO
Metals Exploration has appointed industry veteran Darren Patrick Bowden as its new chief executive officer with immediate effect.