Market Pulse
London close: Stocks finish November on flat note
London's equity markets ended just above the waterline on Friday, as investors processed a raft of UK economic data and developments in the corporate sector.
Director dealings: Pets At Home CEO raises stake
Pets At Home revealed on Friday that chief executive Lyssa McGowan had acquired 42,294 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed animal products retailer.
FTSE 100 movers: Anglo American boosted by upgrade; BAE hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% at 8,265. 19 in afternoon trade on Friday.
US open: Dow Jones on track for best monthly performance of 2024
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Friday as the Dow Jones headed for its best monthly performance this year.
TSB appoints Marc Armengol as new CEO
TSB said on Friday that it has appointed Marc Armengol as its new chief executive officer.
Atlantic Lithium progressing Ewoyaa despite mining lease delays
Atlantic Lithium reported significant milestones in advancing the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana in an update on Friday, despite ongoing delays in the ratification of the project’s mining lease.
Genedrive full-year revenue rises
Point-of-care pharmacogenetic testing company Genedrive reported a significant increase in revenue in its full-year results on Friday.
Narayana Health says not planning to make offer for Spire Healthcare
Spire Healthcare shares had pared earlier strong gains by Friday afternoon after India’s Narayana Health said it does not intend to make an offer for the company.
Former Bushveld subsidiary defaults on loan repayment
Bushveld Minerals announced on Friday that Vanchem, a subsidiary it recently sold, has failed to repay ZAR 14. 4m (£0. 63m) plus accrued interest, which was due 21 November.
US pre-open: Futures higher ahead of holiday-shortened session
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Friday as traders get set to return from the Thanksgiving Day break.
London midday: FTSE nudges down amid data raft
London stocks had nudged into the red by midday on Friday as investors mulled a slew of UK data releases, with deal news in focus again.
Beowulf Mining reports narrower loss, solid development progress
Beowulf Mining announced reduced losses for the nine months ended 30 September on Friday, reflecting disciplined cost management and ongoing advancements in its core projects in Sweden, Finland, and Kosovo.
Aptamer reports progress since July fundraise
Aptamer Group, the developer of ‘Optimer’ binders for the life sciences industry, flagged solid operational progress in an update on Friday, reporting that since its £2. 6m fundraising in July, it had achieved cost-reduction targets, streamlined scientific production, and executed a new commercial growth strategy.
Asia report: Most markets fall as Korean industrial output contracts
Asia-Pacific markets mostly edged lower on Friday, with South Korea leading the declines as its industrial production contracted for a second consecutive month in October.
RBC Capital reiterates positive outlook on W7 owner Warpaint
RBC Capital Markets reiterated its positive outlook on cosmetics firm Warpaint on Friday, saying it continues to believe the company is well positioned in the market, successfully executing on its growth strategy.
Berenberg lowers target price on Johnson Matthey
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on diversified chemicals Johnson Matthey from 1,650. 0p to 1,500. 0p on Friday following the group's H125 results.
Strategic Minerals upbeat on UK critical minerals report
Strategic Minerals was upbeat on Friday after news that tungsten and tin, key components of its wholly-owned Redmoor polymetallic tungsten deposit, retained their designation as ‘critical minerals’ in the 2024 UK Criticality Assessment.
Northern Bear confident after strong first half
Specialist building and support services provider Northern Bear reported a solid half-year financial performance on Friday, with revenue rising to £37. 6m, up from £36. 9m in the prior period.
Botswana Diamonds gets one of two environmental approvals for Thorny River
Botswana Diamonds announced on Friday that it has received environmental authorisation for one of its two mining permit applications for the Thorny River project in South Africa.
ECR Minerals enters into collaboration agreement with James Cook University
Exploration and development firm ECR Minerals said on Friday that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with James Cook University in Queensland to further explore the potential for rare earth elements within its Lolworth Project area.