Market Pulse
Broker tips: BT, Admiral, Victrex, Agronomics
JPMorgan has reiterated its 'outperform' rating and 290. 0p target price on BT Group despite competition concerns hitting the stock following the announcement that Sky has signed a wholesale deal with CityFibre.
London close: Stocks manage gains ahead of Fed minutes
London's stock markets ended Wednesday on a positive note amid a robust performance from the mining sector, as investors digested a US nonfarm payrolls revision and UK borrowing figures.
Director dealings: Castings finance director makes share purchase
Castings revealed on Wednesday that finance director Steve Mant had acquired 3,230 ordinary shares in the London-listed iron casting and machining group.
US nonfarm payrolls revised down by 818,000
The US economy created 818,000 fewer jobs than originally reported throughout the 12 months ended 31 March, according to the Labor Department's preliminary annual benchmark revision.
Cineworld backers to invest £35m if rescue plan is successful - report
Cineworld's US-based parent will reportedly inject £35m into modernising its British cinema estate if a rescue plan being put to creditors is successful.
FTSE 100 movers: JD Sports gains ahead of update; utilities drop
London’s FTSE 100 was flat at 8,275. 03 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
US open: Stocks mostly higher as traders await Fed minutes
Wall Street stocks were mostly higher early on Wednesday as market participants looked ahead to minutes from the Federal Reserve's July policy meeting and a key speech from chairman Jerome Powell later in the week.
Target surges after Q2 beat, profit upgrade
Target shares surged on Wednesday after the US retailer posted better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and lifted its annual profit outlook.
Canaccord Genuity lowers target price on Agronomics
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lowered their target price on agriculture investment business Agronomics from 20. 0p to 17. 5p on Wednesday after the group's latest net asset value update showed a modest reduction its NAV/share ratio.
FCA tells insurers to better ensure they deliver consumer value
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a warning to insurers and brokers on Wednesday, urging them to ensure that their products provided fair value and good outcomes for customers.
JT Group to buy Vector Group in $2.4bn deal
US tobacco maker Vector Group said on Wednesday that it has agreed to be bought JT Group in a $2. 4bn deal.
Macy's lowers full-year sales guidance despite Q2 earnings beat
Shares in US department store retailer Macy’s were sliding early on Wednesday, after it reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings despite a drop in sales, and revised its full-year guidance downwards.
CMA cans Apple, Google app market probes ahead of new regulation
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has closed its investigations into Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, it announced on Wednesday, shifting its focus to the forthcoming digital markets competition regime.
US pre-open: Stock futures higher ahead of Fed minutes
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Wednesday as market participants looked ahead to minutes from the Federal Reserve's July policy meeting and a key speech from chairman Jerome Powell later in the week.
Pebble Beach revenue slips, profits improve in first half
Broadcast and media technology software provider Pebble Beach Systems reported a 12% year-on-year increase in order intake in its half-year report on Wednesday, reaching £4. 9m, up from £4. 4m in the first six months of 2023.
UK Oil & Gas strikes lease deal for Dorset hydrogen storage site
UK Oil & Gas announced the execution of a heads of terms agreement for a 60-year lease on land and subsurface mineral rights on Wednesday, for a second underground hydrogen storage facility in south Dorset.
Revenue steady, profits rise for MTI Wireless Edge
Communications and radio frequency technology specialist MTI Wireless Edge reported steady revenue and notable improvements in profitability in its interim results on Wednesday.
James Latham confident despite slip in revenue
Timber and panel products distributor James Latham said in an update on Wednesday that its revenue for the first four months of the financial year totalled £127m, slightly down from £128m in the same period last year.
London midday: Stocks edge up as miners rally
London stocks had ticked a little further into the black by midday on Wednesday, helped along by a solid performance from the mining sector, as investors mulled borrowing figures and looked ahead to the release of the latest Federal Reserve minutes.
Rosslyn Data Technologies FY losses better than feared, secures major client win
Cloud-based software provider Rosslyn Data Technologies revealed on Wednesday that it had secured a "major new client win" worth a minimum of £2. 0m as it turned in better-than-expected FY24 underlying losses.