Market Pulse
Asia report: Markets fall as BoJ holds rates, Fed cuts
Asia-Pacific markets retreated on Thursday as investors digested the US Federal Reserve’s cautious outlook after its latest rate cut, and a decision by the Bank of Japan to maintain its policy rate.
Aptamer strikes new development contract agreement
Life sciences group Aptamer has struck a new development contract agreement with a rare disease biopharmaceutical company worth up to £155,000.
Sweden's Surgical Science to buy Intelligent Ultrasound in £45.2m deal
Intelligent Ultrasound said on Thursday that it has agreed to be taken over by Sweden’s Surgical Science in a deal that values the group at £45. 2m.
FCA extends deadline for firms to respond to motor finance complaints
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) extended the deadline for firms to respond to complaints, it announced on Thursday, related to motor finance agreements without discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), until 4 December 2025.
Time Finance H1 profits surge as lending book hits fresh record
Specialist finance provider Time Finance said on Thursday that both revenue and profits had grown in the six months ended 30 November as the group continued to increase the size of its lending book.
Sanderson granted Royal Warrant of Appointment by HM King Charles III
Interior design and furnishings company Sanderson said on Thursday that His Majesty King Charles III has granted it the Royal Warrant of Appointment.
Chill Brands reaches out-of-court settlement with former directors
Packaged goods distributor Chill Brands has reached an out-of-court settlement with two former directors who transferred the domain registration from the company to themselves without board authorisation back in May.
London open: Stocks slide after US selloff; BoE eyed
London stocks tumbled in early trade on Thursday following sharp losses on Wall Street after the Federal Reserve spooked markets with its rate outlook, and as investors eyed the latest policy announcement from the Bank of England.
Serco flags underlying profit growth, confidence in 2025
Outsourcing giant Serco forecast full-year revenue of £4. 8bn in an update on Thursday, in line with its prior guidance but reflecting an organic revenue decline of 3%.
Costain and Siemens Mobility JV secures £300m HS2 systems contract
Costain said on Thursday that its 50/50 joint venture with Siemens Mobility had secured a contract to deliver high voltage power supply systems for the HS2 project throughout the 225km route from Birmingham to London.
London pre-open: Stocks to slide after Fed spooks markets, ahead of BoE
London stocks were set to slide on Thursday following sharp losses on Wall Street, after the Federal Reserve spooked markets with its rate outlook, and as investors eyed the latest policy announcement from the Bank of England.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Water bills, Brexit, Imperial Brands
Households in England and Wales will see their water bills rise by an average of £31 a year, as suppliers pay to fix leaky pipes and cut pollution. The industry regulator Ofwat said on Thursday it would allow companies to raise average bills will rise by £157 over five years to an average of £597 by 2030 to help pay for investment. – Guardian.