Market Pulse
Augean to meet upgraded forecasts thanks to strong second half
Specialist waste management company Augean updated the market on its trading for the year ended 31 December on Wednesday, reporting that as a result of continuing strong trading through the second half, it expected to be in line with previously-upgraded market expectations for the full year.
President Energy beats net group production target for 2018
President Energy has beaten its 3,000 boepd target for net group production at year-end 2018, it announced on Wednesday, reporting that it was producing at a net group level of about 3,300 boepd.
Fed's Evans calls for pause, but sees three more interest rate hikes
A top US central bank official sounded a relative 'hawkish' stance on Wednesday when compared with recent more 'dovish' remarks from several of his peers, even as he appeared to call time on the Federal Reserve's rate hiking campaign.
Central Asia Metals meets production targets for 2018
Central Asia Metals issued its full year operations update for the Kounrad dump leach, solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) copper recovery plant in Kazakhstan, as well as the Sasa zinc-lead mine in Macedonia, on Wednesday.
Asia report: Markets rise on back of US-China talks
Markets in Asia finished in positive territory on Wednesday, with sentiment remaining higher as trade talks between Washington and Beijing came to a close in the Chinese capital.
Europe midday: Stocks extend relief rally on trade talk optimism
European shares are extending their relief rally following reports of progress overnight in US-China trade talks.
Deutsche Bank downgrades BHP on challenging outlook
Deutsche Bank downgraded BHP to 'sell' from 'hold' on Wednesday and slashed the price target to 1,550p from 1,820p as it now sees a more challenging outlook this year.
Apple to cut iPhone production by 10% this quarter
Apple is reportedly set to trim production of its new iPhones by 10% over the March quarter, the Nikkei Asian Review said on Wednesday.
Nichols' profits grow on the back of 'excellent' UK performance
Sales at soft drinks company Nichols bubbled up last year on the back of an "excellent performance" by its UK businesses.
World Bank warns of global economic slowdown risks in 2019
The World Bank revealed on Wednesday that the global economy is expected to slow to 2. 9% in 2019 compared with 3% in 2018 as advanced economy central banks continue withdrawing policy accommodation even as trade disputes risk escalation.
London midday: Stocks maintain gains as housebuilders rally
London stocks were firmly higher by midday on Wednesday amid optimism about the latest round of US-China trade talks and hopes that moves in Westminster have lowered the chance of a no-deal Brexit, with housebuilders leading the charge.
Shoe Zone posts record profit, announces special dividend
Value footwear retailer Shoe Zone reported a jump in full-year sales and profit on Wednesday and announced a special dividend despite a challenging backdrop.
US pre-open: Stocks to edge up amid trade optimism; FOMC minutes eyed
US stocks looked set to edge higher at the open on Wednesday amid optimism that the US and China will come to an agreement on trade.
US-China trade talks went 'just fine', statement expected soon
The US and China successfully wrapped-up their first round of trade talks on Wednesday.
Silence Therapeutics CFO steps down
Silence Therapeutics chief financial officer David Ellam stepped down from the group with immediate effect on Wednesday.
Majestic Wine sales rise over Christmas
Majestic Wine posted a rise in group sales and margin over the Christmas period thanks to a solid performance from Naked Wines, as it said profit for the year should be in line with market consensus.
Thalassa considering takeover of The Local Shopping REIT
Thalassa announced a possible offer for The Local Shopping REIT (LSR) on Wednesday, following an update from that company on 12 December, which confirmed the failure of proposals including a members' voluntary liquidation (MVL).
Eurozone unemployment rate falls to decade low in November
The eurozone unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in 10 years in November, according to figures released by Eurostat on Wednesday.
Sosandar witnesses record quarterly revenues and orders
Online women's fashion retailer Sosandar has seen the momentum witnessed throughout autumn carry over into winter, reporting record quarterly revenues, orders, site visits and conversions for the three months ended 31 December.
Science in Sport revenues improve as global expansion continues
British sports nutrition outfit Science in Sport expects to trade in line with market expectations, having reported a hefty increase in full-year sales .