Market Report
ReNeuron awarded £1.8m Innovate UK grant
UK-based stem cell therapy development company ReNeuron Group announced on Thursday that it had been awarded a £1. 8m grant from Innovate UK, to further advance its “next generation” commercial cell therapy manufacturing capabilities.
TUI Group plans Chinese expansion
FTSE 100-listed travel company TUI Group has announced plans for a major expansion into the Asian market, with a particular view to stepping up its operations in China.
Europe midday: Stocks mostly flat, euro jumps against pound on BoE
European stocks are trading on a mixed note, with investors expected to focus on an interest rate decision from the Bank of England at noon in an otherwise light day in terms of economic events.
One Media iP signs deal with Getty Images
Digital and technical media content provider One Media iP Group announced on Thursday that it had signed a new deal with Getty Images.
Conroy Gold upbeat on historical data
Ireland and Finland-focussed gold exploration and development company Conroy Gold and Natural Resources announced on Thursday that, following gold assay data pertaining to the original antimony mine workings at Clontibret becoming available, it had been possible to relate the occurrence of four gold bearing lodes within the 48m of the Tullybuck drift, in the historical underground workings.
BoE slightly more hawkish, MPC vote count unchanged at 7 to 1
Rate-setters at the Bank of England are slightly more hawkish because they now see the economy's 'output gap' closing more quickly, although the current "exceptional" circumstances mean no change in policy is imminent.
Scancell Holdings announces placing to raise £5m
Developer of immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, Scancell Holdings, announced a proposed placing of new ordinary shares in the company with existing and new institutional and professional investors on Thursday, to raise up to £5m.
Boeing stops new plane testing days before first delivery
US planemaker Boeing has temporarily halted test flights of its new 737 MAX plane after finding issues related to the aircraft’s engine.
US pre-open: Stocks seen a little lower as retailers report
US futures pointed to a slightly lower open on Wall Street on Thursday, with retailers in focus as Kohl's, Macy's and Nordstrom report earnings, while Snapchat's parent company was also in the spotlight after disappointing results.
London midday: Stocks steady but pound slips as BoE stands pat
London stocks were steady but the pound lost ground just after midday as the Bank of England left interest rates and its asset purchase programme on hold, as widely expected.
Thursday broker round-up
Talk Talk: Macquarie downgrades to Neutral with a target price of 150p.
Asia report: Most markets higher as oil prices rise, RBNZ stands pat
Markets in Asia finished mostly higher on Thursday, as traders focussed on improving oil prices and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand stood pat on its record low interest rates.
Openreach launches consultations on broadband future
Openreach, the division of BT that operates the bulk of the UK’s copper telephone and fibre broadband lines, announced on Thursday that it would consult with its communications provider customers on “how to best enhance” broadband connectivity across Britain.
UK construction output down 0.7% in March but up 0.2% in Q1
UK construction output fell 0. 7% in March, making the third consecutive period of negative month-on-month growth, according to the Office for National Statistics.
UK industrial data confirms weak end to first quarter GDP
UK industrial activity disappointed for the second month in a row, according to official data published on Thursday that confirmed the economy lost some momentum in the first quarter of the year.
JPMorgan downgrades Centrica amid concern over UK supply market changes
JPMorgan Cazenove downgraded British Gas owner Centrica to 'underweight' from 'overweight' and slashed the price target to 180p from 265p, highlighting the "unsettling reality" of UK supply market changes.
Lookers highlights 'positive' first quarter; profit up in all divisions
Car dealership and aftersales services chain Lookers hailed a "positive trading performance" for the first quarter, ahead of the previous year and with a strong result in March.
SuperGroup's strong growth in tough market fails to impress
Boosted significantly by the weak pound, SuperGroup grew its annual revenues 27% and said its full year profits were likely to be in line with expectations.
Melrose Industries says trading in line, seeking another acquisition
Melrose Industries said on Thursday that current trading is in line with expectations.
UK housing market stagnant - RICS
The housing market was stagnant in April, with national near-term sales expectations pointing to a flat picture over the summer, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.