Market Pulse
US close: S&P falls back on mixed day for equities
Wall Street finished in a mixed state on Wednesday, as the S&P 500 retreated from its previous record close.
Broker tips: Harbour Energy, Intercontinental Hotels, Marlowe, Flutter Entertainment
Berenberg upgraded Harbour Energy on Wednesday to 'buy' from 'hold' and lifted its price target on the stock to 360. 0p from 280. 0p as it said that cash flow supports higher returns.
London close: Stocks mixed as UK economy returns to growth
London markets finished with a mixed performance on Wednesday, following a surge on Tuesday, with investors buoyed by news of the UK economy's return to growth in January.
Government to block UAE bid for Telegraph with foreign ownership ban
The government is set to announce a ban on foreign governments owning newspapers and magazines in the UK, it emerged on Wednesday, effectively halting the Abu Dhabi-led takeover bid of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph.
Director dealings: 1Spatial CFO makes share purchase
1Spatial revealed on Wednesday that chief financial officer Stuart Ritchie had acquired 17,700 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed software and solutions firm.
FTSE 100 movers: Flutter boosted by upgrade; IHG hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 4% at 7,781. 51 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Branson’s Virgin Group to axe around 8% of jobs at London HQ - report
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is reportedly axing dozens of jobs at its London base as part of an integration of two of his companies.
US open: Dow extends rally, S&P 500 falls from record
Wall Street stocks were mixed early on Wednesday as the S&P 500 fell from its record close.
Ixico warns on 2024 revenue amid contract delays
Medical imaging analytics company Ixico said in a trading update on Wednesday that, despite ongoing progress in expanding its opportunities pipeline, the first half of 2024 had been marked by extended contracting cycles and delays in securing certain new contracts.
BP, Adnoc suspend talks on bid for stake in Israel's NewMed
NewMed Energy said on Wednesday that BP and UAE state-owned oil company Adnoc have suspended discussions about a potential joint bid for 50% of the Israeli gas company.
Berenberg ups Harbour Energy to 'buy'
Berenberg upgraded Harbour Energy on Wednesday to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ and lifted the price target to 360p from 280p as it said that cash flow supports higher returns.
Quantum Blockchain reveals new mining method, warns of porting difficulties
Quantum Blockchain Technologies shares were in the red on Wednesday afternoon, after it issued an update on its research and development endeavours in advancing Bitcoin mining technologies.
OptiBiotix signs partnership with India's Dr Morepen
Life science company OptiBiotix Health announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Dr Morepen on Wednesday, for the distribution of SlimBiome products in India under the Dr Morepen brand.
Vast Resources inks new offtake deal with Trafigura
Vast Resources announced a new exclusive offtake agreement with Trafigura Group on Wednesday, for all copper concentrate produced at the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania.
US mortgage applications increase 7.1%
US mortgage applications increased by 7. 1% in the week ended 8 March, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, cooling off slightly from the prior week's 9. 7% rise.
US open: Futures mixed following CPI reading
Wall Street futures were mixed ahead of the bell on Wednesday after the S&P 500 closed at a fresh record high in the previous session.
Adidas FY sales fall short of estimates
German sportswear giant Adidas reported full-year results that fell short of estimates on Wednesday as a result of the loss of its very profitable Yeezy line following the cessation of its long-running collaboration with Kanye West.
Anglesey Mining reports fresh assays from Northern Copper Zone
Anglesey Mining reported assay results from drill hole NCZ002 on Wednesday, marking a significant development in its infill drilling programme at the Northern Copper Zone (NCZ) and Garth Daniel Zone (GDZ) within the Parys Mountain project on the Isle of Anglesey in north west Wales.
London midday: Stocks steady as UK economy returns to growth
London stocks had given up small opening gains by midday on Wednesday, having surged a day earlier, as data showed the UK economy returned to growth in January.
AMS reports higher revenue and lower profit, proposes fresh acquisition
Advanced Medical Solutions unveiled its unaudited preliminary results for 2023 on Wednesday, alongside a significant acquisition announcement.