Market Pulse
Intercede lifts FY outlook on new order, ‘strong’ trading
Intercede said on Friday that its full-year performance was set to be ahead of market expectations following an order for a new licence test environment and further "strong" trading.
London open: FTSE nudges up as investors mull retail sales
London stocks nudged higher in early trade on Friday as investors mulled the latest retail sales data.
London pre-open: Stocks to nudge down after retail sales, consumer confidence data
London stocks were set to nudge lower at the open on Friday following big gains a day earlier, as investors mulled the latest reading on UK consumer confidence and a stagnation in retail sales.
UK retail sales flat in February but ahead of expectations
UK retail sales were flat in February as wet weather dented spending in stores, according to figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
KKR Dark Aggregator sells 19.4m Darktrace shares in placing
Jefferies said on Friday that KKR Dark Aggregator sold 19. 4m shares in cybersecurity firm Darktrace in a placing.
Portugal’s Navigator to buy UK loo roll maker Accrol in £127.5m deal
AIM-listed toilet paper maker Accrol said on Friday that it has agreed to be bought by Portuguese paper firm Navigator in a £127. 5m deal.
Friday newspaper round-up: Mike Lynch, Three, Scottish Power
Two major UK high street banks have been accused of continuing to finance fossil fuel expansion in the North Sea despite signing a pledge to align their activities with the net zero climate goal. HSBC and NatWest have provided tens of millions in finance to Ithaca Energy, a British oil and gas company that is playing a key role in plans to exploit the controversial Rosebank oilfield north-west of the Shetland Islands. Another high street bank, Lloyds, also provided finance but has since sold down the debt.