Market Pulse
Broker tips: Victoria, IG Group
Analysts at Berenberg slashed their target price on floorings manufacturer Victoria from 600. 0p to 300. 0p on Thursday but reiterated their 'buy' rating on the stock.
London close: Stocks fall as US inflation tops forecasts
London’s equity markets finished in negative territory on Thursday, driven by a flurry of stocks going ex-dividend and investor reactions to the latest US producer inflation and jobless data.
Director dealings: Checkit chairman raises stake
Checkit revealed on Thursday that chairman Keith Daley had acquired 250,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed software and solutions business.
AG Barr says 195 jobs at risk in proposed business reorganisation
Irn Bru maker AG Barr said on Thursday that up to 195 jobs were at risk as it looks to close some of its sites as part of a business reorganisation.
FTSE 100 movers: Housebuilders gain on Vistry results; Anglo American goes ex-div
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 5% at 7,732. 27 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US open: Stocks trade lower following hotter-than-expected PPI reading
Wall Street stocks were in the red early on Thursday as investors digested a hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation reading.
Global oil markets to face supply deficit in 2024
Global oil markets will face a supply deficit in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency, instead of the surplus previously predicted as OPEC+ supply cuts were expected to continue into the second half.
Berenberg halves target price on Victoria
Analysts at Berenberg slashed their target price on floorings manufacturer Victoria from 600. 0p to 300. 0p on Thursday but reiterated their 'buy' rating on the stock.
ECR Minerals raises £0.6m to advance Australian projects
Australia-focussed gold explorer and developer ECR Minerals announced the fundraising of £0. 59m before expenses on Thursday, to advance its projects in Victoria and Queensland.
Ageas faces opposition from top shareholder over Direct Line pursuit - report
Belgian insurer Ageas is reportedly facing opposition from one of its leading shareholders to a potential takeover of London-listed rival Direct Line.
US pre-open: Futures higher as investors shrug off hotter-than-expected PPI
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Thursday as investors seemingly shrugged off a hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation reading.
Beeks Financial Cloud wins contract extension with JSE
Beeks Financial Cloud announced a significant contract extension with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Thursday, for the provision of its Exchange Cloud.
Atome fundraising granted EIS status by HMRC
Atome announced on Thursday that HM Revenue and Customs had granted Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) status for investments made by qualifying individuals in its recent equity fundraise, announced on 19 February.
Burford Capital reports year of solid growth
Burford Capital reported significant gains and robust growth in its annual results on Thursday, with a record surge in realised gains of 40% to $186m.
Firering acquires 20m Ricca shares as part of settlement
Exploration company Firering Strategic Minerals announced the acquisition of 20 million shares in Ricca Resources on Thursday.
Mercia Asset Management invests further in three portfolio firms
Mercia Asset Management announced the completion of syndicated funding rounds into three existing direct investments on Thursday, totalling £5. 7m.
FW Thorpe revenue, profits rise marginally
Professional lighting specialist FW Thorpe reported first-half revenue of £82. 6m on Thursday, making for a modest increase of 1% from the prior period.
London midday: Stocks stay flat ahead of US PPI; housebuilders rally
London equity markets were still steady by midday on Thursday as a raft of stocks went ex-dividend, with all eyes on the release of the latest US inflation reading.
Restore swings to statutory loss amid market challenges
Digital information and document management specialist Restore reported a 1% fall in full-year revenue on Thursday, to £277. 1m, while facing a more substantial 15% drop in adjusted operating profit to £44. 3m.
OSB Group tumbles as net interest margin guidance disappoints
OSB Group tumbled on Thursday as full-year profits beat expectations but guidance on net interest margin disappointed.