Market Pulse
Mkango raises £1.25m to expand magnet recycling operations
Mkango Resources announced on Thursday that it has completed a private placement, raising £1. 25m to support its efforts to expand its rare earth magnet recycling operations in the UK and Germany.
UK new car registrations fall slightly in August ahead of new plates
New car registrations fell slightly across the UK in August, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, as buyers held off until next month's new number plates.
UK construction sector 'turns corner' - PMI
The UK construction sector's recovery continued in August, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, although the rate of expansion eased.
PPHE Hotel Group inks major refinancing deal
PPHE Hotel Group announced a major refinancing agreement with Aareal Bank on Thursday, extending the maturity of its existing loan for its Dutch hotel portfolio and the Holmes Hotel London.
Asia report: Markets mixed as wage growth softens in Japan
Asia-Pacific markets ended mixed on Thursday following a sharp sell-off in the previous session.
Speedy Hire trades well despite 'continuing challenging conditions'
Tools and equipment rental business Speedy Hire said on Thursday that it had "performed well" year-to-date, despite "continuing challenging conditions" in certain end markets.
Bakkavor posts strong first-half growth, CFO steps down
Fresh prepared food provider Bakkavor Group announced a strong set of first-half results on Thursday, highlighting revenue growth, improved margins, and debt reduction.
Genus reports mixed full year, warns of currency headwinds
Genus reported strategic progress amid challenging market conditions, particularly in China, in its preliminary full-year results on Thursday, although it warned of potential currency headwinds going forward.
Jet2 summer seat capacity rises 12.4pc
Airline business Jet2 said on Thursday that summer 2024 on-sale seat capacity was 12. 4% higher than Summer 2023 at 17. 17m, a "slight increase" on the level reported at its preliminary results.
Beowulf reports positive test-work results from Kallak Project
Beowulf Mining announced positive results from its 2024 metallurgical test-work programme for the Kallak Iron Ore Project in Sweden on Thursday.
Spectris buys Austria’s Piezocryst for €133.5m
Spectris said on Thursday that it has bought Austria’s Piezocryst from AVL for €133. 5m (£112. 2m).
Ofcom's Royal Mail review could see Saturday Second Class letters scrapped
Communications watchdog Ofcom said on Thursday that it will assess whether certain changes to Royal Mail's Second Class letter delivery would meet postal users' needs, ahead of consulting on proposals in early 2025.
Ashmore reports full-year profit growth despite AuM challenges
Emerging markets-focussed asset manager Ashmore Group reported a relatively positive set of final results on Thursday, despite some challenges in assets under management (AuM).
Safestore Q3 revenues flat, reiterates FY guidance
Self-storage business Safestore reiterated its full-year earnings guidance on Thursday as it reported flat Q3 revenues.
London open: Stocks flat as investors eye ADP
London stocks were steady in early trade on Thursday following mostly weaker US and Asian sessions, as investors eyed the release of US jobs data.
Currys takes nearly 50% share of UK laptop market, sales rise
Currys posted a jump in sales on Thursday as the electricals retailer took a nearly 50% share of the UK laptop market.
German factory orders rise as large-scale orders grow
German factory orders rose by 2. 9% month-on-month in July, according to the Federal Statistical Office, beating market calls for a 1. 5% drop and following June's upwardly revised 4. 6% gain.
Vistry posts 7% jump in H1 profit, announces further £130m share buyback
Housebuilder Vistry announced a further £130m share buyback on Thursday as it posted a 7% increase in first-half pre-tax profit.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower ahead of ADP report
London stocks were set to fall at the open on Thursday following mostly weaker US and Asian sessions.
Thursday newspaper round-up: X, Marks & Spencer, Volvo
More than a quarter of advertisers are planning to cut spending on Elon Musk’s X over concerns about the social media platform’s content and trust in the information disseminated, according to new global research. Advertising revenue flowing to X has been in freefall since Musk bought the site, then known as Twitter, for $44bn (£38bn) in October 2022, claiming it had not lived up to its potential as a platform for “free speech”. – Guardian.