Market Pulse
London close: Stocks mixed ahead of Fed, BoE decisions
London markets closed with a mixed but little-changed performance on Wednesday, as investors digested a larger-than-expected slowdown in UK inflation.
Director dealings: BAE Systems chair makes share purchase
BAE Systems revealed on Wednesday that chair Cressida Hogg had acquired 13,698 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100-listed weapons manufacturer.
Broker tips: Sabre Insurance, Close Brothers, Elementis
RBC Capital Markets has lifted its target price for Sabre Insurance from 200p to 220p and reiterated an 'outperform' rating after the company's well-received annual results, hailing the company's ability to continue winning volumes profitably.
US open: Stocks slightly higher ahead of FOMC decision
Wall Street trading got off to a positive start early on Wednesday as investors awaited the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day monetary policy meeting.
FTSE 100 movers: Persimmon pushes higher; Prudential takes a tumble
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 1% at 7,746. 82 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
FDM Group warns on full year, shares tumble
FDM Group tumbled on Wednesday as it warned that its 2024 financial performance was likely to be "materially below" its earlier expectations amid soft market conditions.
Transense installs Ryan Maughan as new managing director
Transense Technologies named Ryan Maughan as its new managing director on Wednesday, effective immediately.
US pre-open: Stocks mixed ahead of FOMC interest rate decision
Wall Street futures were mixed ahead of the bell on Wednesday as investors awaited the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day monetary policy meeting.
Tube drivers announce two 24-hour strikes
London Underground drivers belonging to the Aslef union will walk out in April and May, it was announced on Wednesday.
London midday: Stocks just lower after inflation data; rate announcements eyed
London stocks were still a touch weaker by midday on Wednesday as investors mulled a bigger-than-expected fall in UK inflation, with caution in the air ahead of rate decisions from the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England.
Netcall secures significant contract renewal
Netcall announced a significant contract renewal with an unnamed transportation company on Wednesday, with the £7. 6m five-year contract extension effective from 1 April reflecting a £0. 4m annual increase compared to the original agreement.
Eurozone construction output increases in January
Eurozone construction output increased 0. 5% in January, according to preliminary reports from Eurostat.
IQGeo tops expectations in full-year results
Geospatial technology company IQGeo reported a set of results exceeding market expectations for 2023 on Wednesday, achieving a record order intake of £57. 2m, representing 40% growth compared to the prior year.
Anpario confident despite fall in revenue, earnings
Animal feed additives specialist Anpario reported revenue of £31m in its final results on Wednesday, down 6% year-on-year.
Poolbeg Pharma to be granted US patent
Biopharmaceutical company Poolbeg Pharma announced on Wednesday that it has received a notice of allowance from the US Patent Office regarding its immunomodulator II patent application.
Abingdon Health to launch two Boots-branded self-tests
Lateral flow test specialist Abingdon Health announced a partnership with Crest Medical on Wednesday, to introduce Boots' own-brand rapid self-tests across the UK and online.
EKF Diagnostics revenues, gross profits fall as expected
EKF Diagnostics reported revenue of £52. 6m in its final results on Wednesday, aligning with market projections, although lower than the prior year's figure of £66. 6m.
CleanTech pilot plant starts operations in Chile
CleanTech Lithium announced the start of operations at its pilot plant on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in its advancement of lithium projects in Chile.
Equals Q1 revenues grow, granted extension to PUSU deadline
Financial services company Equals Group said on Wednesday that revenues had grown by more than a quarter in the first three months of its fiscal year as a result of "robust" trading across the business, with particularly strong growth from its solutions unit.
HSBC 'impressed' by quality of Elementis portfolio
HSBC upgraded Elementis to ‘buy’ on Wednesday and lifted the price target to 170p from 150p as it said it was impressed by the company’s portfolio quality and management execution "amid a challenging macro and weak end markets".