Market Pulse
Consumer confidence falls slightly ahead of Budget
UK consumer confidence fell slightly in October, according to fresh survey results released on Friday, with GfK’s consumer confidence index dropping one point to -21.
Broker tips: International Capital Group, Quilter
Berenberg started coverage of capital asset manager International Capital Group at ‘buy’ on Thursday with a 2,600p price target.
London close: Stocks mixed after barrage of corporate updates
London’s stock markets ended Thursday with mixed results, with the top-flight index held aloft by strong earnings reports from major companies like Unilever and Barclays, as investors digested a slew of US data.
Director dealings: Pinewood Technologies director makes share purchase
Pinewood Technologies revealed on Thursday that non-executive director Nicola Flanders had acquired 5,714 ordinary shares in the London-listed software firm.
Thames Water creditors said to have offered alternative financial lifeline
A group of Thames Water creditors have reportedly proposed an alternative liquidity package of up to £3bn to give the British utility more time to seek a restructuring of its debt.
FTSE 100 movers: Anglo American rallies; Bunzl in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 3% at 8,283. 32 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US new home sales jump 4.1pc in September
New home sales jumped 4. 1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 738,000 in September, according to the Census Bureau, the highest reading since May 2023 and ahead of forecasts for a print of 720,000.
US open: Stocks mixed as bond yields remain in focus
Wall Street stocks were mixed early on Thursday as elevated bond yields continued to weigh on stocks.
Berenberg initiates coverage of ICG at ‘buy’
Berenberg started coverage of capital asset manager International Capital Group at ‘buy’ on Thursday with a 2,600p price target.
UPS beats Q3 expectations
Logistics firm United Parcel Service beat quarterly profit expectations on Thursday as the group benefitted from improved volumes and tight cost controls.
US initial jobless claims unexpectedly fall by 15,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at a decelerated pace in the week ended 19 October, according to the latest figures from the Labor Department.
Intel wins 15-year legal battle over massive EU fine
Intel emerged victorious in a lengthy legal battle with the European Union on Thursday, as the bloc's top court ruled in its favour, dismissing a €1. 06bn antitrust fine.
Greencoat UK Wind expands portfolio, completes £725m refinancing
Greencoat UK Wind updated the market on its third quarter on Thursday, reporting that as of 30 September, its unaudited net asset value stood at £3. 6bn, or 158. 6p per share.
Jefferies starts coverage of Quilter at ‘buy’
Jefferies initiated coverage of Quilter on Thursday with a ‘buy’ rating an 175p price target as it said catalysts were coming.
Applied Nutrition floats with £350m valuation
Sports health business Applied Nutrition - which is backed by JD Sports - said on Thursday that it has been valued at around £350m in its stock market debut.
US pre-open: Futures mixed as bond yields remain elevated
Wall Street futures were mixed ahead of the bell on Thursday as elevated bond yields continued to weigh on stocks.
London midday: Stocks push higher amid corporate deluge
London stocks had extended gains by midday on Thursday, helped along by well-received results from the likes of Unilever, LSEG and Barclays, and a strong showing from Tesla after hours.
UK private sector growth falls to 11-month low
Private sector growth in the UK fell to an 11-month low in October ahead of the Budget, according to a survey released on Thursday.
Renishaw delivers 'solid revenue and profit growth' in Q1
Manufacturing technologies business Renishaw said on Thursday that it had delivered "solid revenue and profit growth" in Q1 despite trading conditions being "mixed".
Asia report: Most markets slip as South Korea avoids recession
Asia-Pacific markets were mostly in decline on Thursday, following Wall Street’s continued slide overnight, after the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded its worst performance in over a month.