Market Pulse
Weekly review
The FTSE 100 ended the week down 99. 73 points, or 1. 25%, closing at 7,895. 85 on Friday.
London close: Stocks mixed as investors watch Middle East newsflow
London's stock markets closed in a mixed state on Friday as traders kept a close watch on escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Shanta Gold's acquisition by Saturn moves a step closer
Shanta Gold updated the market on the recommended increased and final cash offer by Saturn Resources for its entire issued and to-be-issued share capital on Friday.
HSBC-backed Monese said to be planning breakup
HSBC-backed technology company Monese - which was in talks to raise funding at a valuation of over £1bn four years ago - is reportedly set to break itself up amid mounting losses.
Billionaire Issa nearing deal to sell Asda stake to TDR Capital - report
US private equity firm TDR Capital is reportedly closing in on a deal to buy petrol station billionaire Zuber Issa’s stake in supermarket chain Asda.
US open: Stocks mixed amid Middle East tensions; Netflix slumps
US stocks were mixed in early trade on Friday amid growing tensions in the Middle East, with Netflix under the cosh after results.
FTSE 100 movers: Mondi, retailers under the cosh
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 5% at 7,840. 05 in afternoon trade on Friday.
US pre-open: Stocks to edge down amid Middle East tensions
US futures pointed to a slightly weaker open on Wall Street on Friday amid growing in tensions in the Middle East.
DS Smith tumbles as Mondi abandons pursuit
DS Smith tanked on Friday after Mondi said it would not be making an offer for the rival packaging group, clearing the path for a takeover by International Paper.
Thames Water plans to raise bills by 56pc - reports
Thames Water has submitted a revised business plan to regulators, proposing an increase in bills of 56%, it was reported on Friday.
Eqtec agrees amendment to Verde subscription
Waste-to-energy technology developer Eqtec updated the market on the Verde Corporation subscription on Friday, confirming that an amendment to the subscription letter had been agreed upon with Verde.
Novacyt gearing up for hearing in DHSC litigation
Molecular diagnostics specialist Novacyt updated the market on legal proceedings between itself and its subsidiary Primer Design against the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on Friday.
Venture Life renews revolving credit facility
Self-care products specialist Venture Life Group announced the renewal of its revolving credit facility with Santander UK and HSBC Innovation Bank on Friday.
Asia report: Markets fall amid fresh Middle East unrest
Markets across the Asia-Pacific region saw a notable downturn on Friday, following news of a limited strike by Israel in Iran.
UK consumer confidence hits best level in two years - Deloitte
UK consumer confidence hit its highest level in two years in the first quarter of 2024 as inflation eased, according to a survey released by Deloitte on Friday.
Israel hits target in Iran's central province of Isfahan in limited strike
Israel struck a target in the central Iranian province of Isfahan, where the country's nuclear installations are located.
Diesel generators arrive for Goldplat's South Africa operations
South Africa and Ghana-focussed Goldplat announced the arrival of diesel generators at its South African operations on Friday.
Intelligent Ultrasound tech launches on new GE system
Healthcare software and simulation specialist Intelligent Ultrasound Group announced the launch of GE HealthCare's SonoLyst software, powered by its ‘ScanNav AI’, on the new Voluson Signature Series portfolio of ultrasound machines on Friday.
Home REIT exchanges 65 properties, rebuts legal claim from shareholders
Home REIT announced the successful exchange of 65 properties on Friday, at a public auction held on 18 April.
Numis downgrades DS Smith to ‘hold’
Numis downgraded its stance on packaging group DS Smith on Friday to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ as it said there was insufficient upside to retain a buy rating.