Market Pulse
Europe close: Stocks rise on bumper US jobs report
European shares posted gains on Friday as investors reacted positively to a better-than-expected US payrolls report,while oil prices continued to rise on fears of further escalation in Middle East tensions.
London close: FTSE ends flat after blowout payrolls report
London stocks ended flat on Friday following a stronger-than-expected non-farm payrolls report and an upbeat reading on the UK construction sector, as investors continued to mull the implications of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Director dealings: MJ Gleeson non-executive director lowers stake
MJ Gleeson revealed on Friday that non-executive director Christopher Mills had disposed of 300,000 ordinary shares in the London-listed housebuilder.
Creo Medical extends closing date for retail offer
Creo Medical Group announced an extension to the closing date for its retail offer on Friday, allowing existing retail shareholders more time to participate.
Woodbois raises £1m from new and existing shareholders
Woodbois announced on Friday that it has raised £1m through a subscription from new and existing shareholders.
Shein planning investor roadshows ahead of London IPO - reports
Chinese-founded online retailer Shein is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in London, it emerged on Friday, with investor roadshows expected in the coming weeks, according to a report from Reuters.
Versarien upbeat on recent company progress
Advanced materials engineering group Versarien updated the market on its progress across several key sectors and markets on Friday, reporting a growing pipeline of opportunities, rising from £1. 6m in October 2023 to £4. 7m currently, with £1. 6m in commercial opportunities and £3. 1m in grants.
US open: Stocks higher following stronger-than-expected September jobs report
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Friday as market participants digested a stronger-than-expected September jobs report.
Non-farm payrolls beat expectations, unemployment rate dips
The US economy added far more jobs than expected in September while the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell, dashing any expectations of a potential 50 basis points rate cut by the Federal Reserve next month.
FTSE 100 movers: Banks gain; SSE in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 1% at 8,286. 99 in afternoon trade on Friday as investors mulled a much stronger than expected US non-farm payrolls report.
MicroSalt makes progress in expanding patent portfolio
MicroSalt, which develops and supplies low-sodium, full-flavour salt, announced significant progress in expanding its global patent portfolio on Friday.
Zigup CFO Philip Vincent resigns
Zigup said on Friday that chief financial officer Philip Vincent has resigned to take on the same role at another business.
London midday: Stocks fall despite upbeat construction reading, ahead of payrolls
London stocks had fallen into the red by midday on Friday despite an upbeat reading on the UK construction sector, as investors mulled mixed messages from Bank of England officials, with Israel’s intensifying strikes against Lebanon and the upcoming US non-farm payrolls report prompting caution.
US pre-open: Futures trade higher ahead of September jobs report
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Friday as market participants patiently awaited the release of September's nonfarm payrolls report.
CMA accepts undertakings, clears Barratt acquisition of Redrow
Barratt Developments announced on Friday that the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had cleared its acquisition of Redrow, following a consultation on undertakings offered by both companies.
Anglo-Eastern takes full ownership of two Indonesian subsidiaries
Anglo-Eastern Plantations announced on Friday that it has completed the acquisition of the remaining minority stakes in two of its Indonesian subsidiaries, further consolidating its ownership in the region.
Asia report: Markets finish turbulent week in a mixed state
Asia-Pacific markets finished with a mixed performance on Friday, reflecting investor caution amid global uncertainties, particularly around rising tensions in the Middle East.
Canaccord Genuity lowers target price on Wynnstay
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lowered their target price on agricultural business Wynnstay from 520. 0p to 470. 0p on Friday, stating the group was "battling through adversity".
UK construction sector grows at fastest pace in two-and-a-half years
The UK construction sector grew in September at its fastest pace in two-and-a-half years, according to a survey released on Friday.
Renew disposes of Walter Lilly for 'nominal consideration'
Engineering services group Renew Holdings has disposed of Walter Lilly & Co to Size Holdings for "a nominal consideration" on a cash-free/debt-free basis.