Market Pulse
London close: Stocks rise on US jobless claims, ECB rate cut
London’s stock markets closed with gains on Thursday, as investors digested an increase in US jobless claims and an interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.
Broker tips: James Fisher and Sons, Trainline
Canaccord Genuity has cut its rating for James Fisher and Sons from 'buy' to 'hold', saying that the marine engineering services group still has a long way to go in its turnaround.
Director dealings: Genus director makes share purchase
Genus revealed on Thursday that senior independent director Lesley Knox had acquired 2,800 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed genetics firm.
Kroger shares pop on Q2 earnings beat, updated guidance
Kroger shares were popping on Thursday, as investors digested the grocer’s updated guidance following a mixed second-quarter performance.
Arkle Resources announces drilling campaign on Stonepark block
Arkle Resources announced on Thursday that its partner, Group Eleven Resources, had started a drilling campaign on the Stonepark licence block in Limerick, Ireland.
FTSE 250 movers: NCC surges on update; Kier falls
London’s FTSE 250 was up 0. 9% at 20,716. 47 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US open: Stocks mixed following PPI reading
Wall Street trading got off to a mixed start early on Thursday as traders digested more inflation data following yesterday's consumer price index report.
Quantum Blockchain hires former Intel Blockscale specialist
Quantum Blockchain Technologies announced the appointment of Jose Rios, a former executive at Intel, as its strategic adviser on Thursday.
ECB cuts rates by 25 basis points as expected
The European Central Bank cut interest rates on Thursday by 25 basis points to 3. 5%, as widely expected, pointing to a slowdown in inflation.
US producer prices rise a tad more quickly than expected, core ahead of forecasts
Wholesale prices in the US increased a tad more slowly than anticipated last month, but a bit more quickly than expected at the core level.
US jobless claims rise to 230,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at an accelerated pace in the week ended 7 September, according to the Department of Labor, in line with market expectations.
Mastercard to buy cyber defence firm Recorded Future for $2.65bn
Mastercard said on Thursday that it has agreed to buy cyber defence company Recorded Future from Insight Partners for $2. 65bn.
Berenberg hikes target price on Trainline
Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on digital rail and coach ticketing platform Trainline from 460. 0p to 475. 0p on Thursday following the release of the group's H1 trading update earlier in the morning.
US pre-open: Futures higher ahead of PPI reading
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Thursday as traders patiently awaited more inflation data following yesterday's consumer price index.
Europe midday: Stocks stay up ahead of expected ECB rate cut
European stocks were still firmer by midday on Thursday, having taken their opening cue from a solid session on Wall Street, as investors eyed an expected rate cut by the European Central Bank.
London midday: Stocks maintain gains as investors eye ECB
London stocks were still firmly in the black by midday on Thursday, having taken their cue from strong gains on Wall Street, with encouraging UK house price data also helping to lift sentiment.
Keystone Law reports solid first-half growth
Keystone Law Group reported a strong set of results for the six months ended 31 July on Thursday, highlighting continued growth and positive recruitment momentum.
Griffin Mining upbeat on strong first half
Griffin Mining reported strong first-half financial results on Thursday, with revenues rising 23. 3% to $85. 7m, compared to $69. 5m in the same period in 2023.
Ceres Power signs key agreement with India's Thermax
Ceres Power announced on Thursday that it has signed a key agreement with Thermax to licence its solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technology, marking its entry into the fast-growing Indian clean energy market.
Gulf Marine sings new contract, upgrades expectations
Gulf Marine Services (GMS) announced on Thursday that it has secured a new long-term contract for one of its vessels operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, marking a significant boost for the company.