Market Pulse
Asia report: Most markets start November in the red
Asia-Pacific markets faced declines on Friday, mirroring Wall Street’s recent downturn, as investors braced for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision and the imminent US elections.
UK manufacturing sector contracts in October
UK manufacturing activity contracted in October ahead of the Budget, according to a survey released on Friday.
Emmerson launches formal dispute with Moroccan government
Potash development company Emmerson announced on Friday that it has formally notified the Moroccan government of an investment dispute, citing breaches of the 1990 Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the UK and Morocco.
Ondine raising £8.5m to fund US clinical trial
Ondine Biomedical announced a proposed minimum £8. 5m fundraising through a placing and subscription of new shares on Friday, priced at 8. 5p each, to support the US phase three clinical trial of its nasal photodisinfection system, ‘Steriwave’.
CAP-XX raises £2.75m in oversubscribed placing
CAP-XX announced on Friday that it has successfully raised £2. 75m in an oversubscribed placing and subscription, ahead of expenses.
ECR Minerals enters exclusivity deal for potential sale of MGA
ECR Minerals announced on Friday that it has entered into an exclusivity agreement for the potential sale of its subsidiary Mercator Gold Australia (MGA), including around AUD 75m (£38. 14m) in tax losses.
Solid State acquires Q-Par Antennas USA
Value-added components supplier Solid State has acquired Q-Par Antennas USA for a maximum consideration of up to $2. 0m.
BNP Paribas Exane upgrades Schroders ahead of Q3 results
BNP Paribas Exane upgraded Schroders on Friday to ‘outperform’ from ‘neutral’ ahead of third-quarter results next week, as it pointed to improving momentum and an attractive valuation.
Residential Secure Income changes asset management arrangements
Residential Secure Income announced changes to its asset management arrangements on Friday, following the launch of a new partnership between Gresham House and Thriving Investments.
Secure Trust Bank warns on profits amid vehicle finance difficulties
Secure Trust Bank reported continued growth in new business volumes and net lending in an update on Friday, although challenges in its vehicle finance segment led to a downgrade in its underlying profit expectations.
Minoan announces measures to reduce liabilities
Minoan Group announced further measures to reduce its liabilities and update its financing strategy on Friday.
RBC Capital starts W7 owner Warpaint at ‘outperform’
RBC Capital Markets initiated coverage of Warpaint on Friday with an ‘outperform’ rating and 685p price target.
Helical sells share in JJ Mack Building for £71.4m
Helical announced on Friday that it has completed the sale of its 50% interest in the JJ Mack Building, London EC1, to joint venture partner AshbyCapital for £71. 4m.
London open: Stocks gain ahead of payrolls; Reckitt surges
London stocks rose in early trade on Friday as investors digested the latest house price and retail industry data and looked ahead to the US non-farm payrolls report.
CMC Markets enters partnership with New Zealand's ASB
CMC Markets announced a strategic partnership with New Zealand bank ASB on Friday, marking a significant expansion into the Australia-New Zealand region.
House price growth slows in October - Nationwide
UK house price growth slowed in October, according to figures released on Friday by Nationwide.
London pre-open: Stocks to nudge down as investors mull house price, retail data
London stocks were set to nudge lower at the open on Friday as investors digest the latest house price and retail industry data.
Friday newspaper round-up: Boeing, Amazon, Harland & Wolff
Striking Boeing workers will vote on an improved contract offer on Monday, which includes a 38% pay rise over four years and a bigger signing bonus, their union said on Thursday. More than 30,000 factory workers who produce Boeing’s strongest-selling 737 Max commercial jet and other planes have been on strike since 13 September and have rejected two earlier offers from Boeing. – Guardian.