Market Pulse
US close: Stocks rise as jobless claims top forecasts
Wall Street saw gains in its major indices as the closing bell rang on Thursday, with investors closely monitoring the latest jobless claims figures from the Labor Department.
Broker tips: NatWest, Helios Towers
NatWest's share-price surge since the start of the year could well continue, according to analysts at Barclays, who hiked their target price for the stock on Thursday.
London close: Stocks manage gains as BoE holds rates
London markets closed on a positive note on Thursday, bolstered by the Bank of England's decision to maintain interest rates, in line with market expectations.
Director dealings: Brickability director lowers stake
Brickability revealed on Thursday that non-executive director Clive Norman had disposed of 400,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed building materials company.
US open: Stocks trade higher following jobless claims reading
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Thursday as this week's jobless claims data from the Labor Department was firmly in focus.
FTSE 100 movers: Vodafone in the black; 3i Group slumps
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 4% at 8,390. 26 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
Eckoh FY adjusted operating profits 'marginally ahead' of expectations
Data security solutions business Eckoh said on Thursday that adjusted operating profits were "marginally ahead of market expectations" in the year ended 31 March despite seeing full-year revenues decrease.
US jobless claims hit nine-month high
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at an accelerated clip in the week ended 4 May, according to the Department of Labor, hitting a nine-month high in the process.
Bank of England stands pat on interest rates
The Bank of England stood pat on interest rates on Thursday at 5. 25%, as widely expected, but suggested cuts could be on their way.
Berenberg slightly raises target price on Helios
Analysts at Berenberg slightly raised their target price on telecommunications tower infrastructure company Helios Towers from 170. 0p to 185. 0p on Thursday, stating the group was now "poised for value creation".
Tertiary Minerals moves towards operations at Mupala
Tertiary Minerals announced on Thursday that its Environmental Project Brief (EPB) for the Mupala Copper Project in Zambia had been approved, paving the way for mineral exploration activities to start.
Syncona reports positive findings from investee Freeline
Life science investor Syncona reported positive findings from its portfolio company Freeline Therapeutics on Thursday, after a phase one and two study of its gene therapy candidate for Gaucher disease, ‘FLT20’, showed encouraging results.
Triple Point reviewing investment management arrangements
Triple Point Social Housing announced an independent review of its investment management arrangements on Thursday, in a bid to enhance shareholder value.
IP Group's Hysata completes $111m series B funding
IP Group announced the completion of a $111m series B funding round by its Australian portfolio company Hysata on Thursday.
PetroTal sales, production meet first-quarter forecasts
PetroTal said in an update on Thursday that sales and production in its first quarter averaged 18,347 and 18,518 barrels of oil per day respectively, marking its second-best quarter to date and aligning with guidance.
Avon Protection inks £38m contract with UK MoD
Avon Protection announced a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday, for the provision of General Service Respirators (GSR) and associated in-service support.
HgCapital reports robust first-quarter performance
HgCapital Trust reported a robust first-quarter portfolio performance on Thursday, resulting in a total return net asset value (NAV) increase of 3% to reach a NAV per share of £5. 11, totaling £2. 3n in net assets.
US pre-open: Futures in the red as Treasury yields rise
Wall Street futures were in the red ahead of the bell on Thursday as rising Treasury yields were in focus.
Uniphar upbeat after successful 2023
Uniphar said in an update on Thursday that 2023 was a successful year, as it doubled its 2018 pro-forma EBITDA, ahead of the timeframe it laid out at its initial public offering.
London midday: FTSE touch higher, sterling falls after BoE holds rates as expected
London stocks were still just a touch firmer by midday on Thursday, as the Bank of England stood pat on interest rates, as widely expected.