Market Report
US Fed hikes rates, balance sheet reduction seen in 2017
The US central bank raised its benchmark policy rate, as had been widely expected, while at the same time announcing that it would likely begin to shrink its balance sheet in 2017.
FX round-up: Sterling gains on limp dollar ahead of expected Fed rate hike
Sterling managed gains against a limp US dollar but was otherwise lower on key crosses, with global markets now on 'Fed Watch' ahead of the US interest-rate call tonight.
Europe close: Stocks end near day's lows after US CPI data
European stocks closed on a mixed note after unexpectedly weak US consumer price data for May forced traders to reconsider their expectations for the US central bank's policy meeting later in the day at the last minute.
Thursday preview: Carney decides, Hammond speaks, Drax updates
Thursday's Bank of England announcement is not expected to see any change to monetary policy, even though spiking inflation is putting pressure on consumer spending, though a later speech from Chancellor Philip Hammond could see some comment on wider economic policy and Brexit strategy.
London close: FTSE succumbs to sterling gains ahead of expected US Fed rate rise
The FTSE 100 succumbed to mild sterling strength along with lingering political and Brexit uncertainty to finish Wednesday lower.
Results round-up
Luxury retailer Mulberry reported a rise in full-year sales and profit on Wednesday thanks to product launches and the online business.
Broker tips: Centrica, Antofagasta, Micro Focus International
HSBC trimmed its target price on shares of Centrica telling clients that political intervention and commodity prices were set to weigh on the company's earnings.
Xeros upbeat on new client pipeline
Developer and provider of polymer based technologies with multiple commercial applications, Xeros Technology Group, reported on Wednesday that it was seeing an “encouraging level of interest” after a successful week at The Clean Show, the largest textile care exposition in the world, held biennially in Las Vegas.
HSBC trims Centrica target price, says political will to intervene undiminished
HSBC trimmed its target price on shares of Centrica, telling clients that political intervention and commodity prices were set to weigh on the company's earnings.
Commodities: Disappointing EIA data sees crude prices plunge further
Crude-oil futures ducked lower on Wednesday afternoon as traders once again reacted to disappointing US inventories data from the government's Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Acacia Mining parent Barrick 'agrees to repay losses' to Tanzania
Acacia Mining's Canadian majority shareholder Barrick Gold has agreed to compensate the government of Tanzania to try and resolve an export dispute that saw the mining group accused of under-declaring its gold shipments and "mining illegally".
WANdisco secures new contract with unnamed US retailer
Provider of ‘active data replication’ services WANdisco announced on Wednesday that it had secured a new contract with a “major American multinational retail corporation”, which remained unnamed.
Citi downgrades Micro Focus after recent share price gains
Citi downgraded its recommendation on shares of Micro Focus International to 'neutral', but said it maintained a constructive medium-term view.
Credit Suisse reiterates underweight on Antofagasta
Analysts at Credit Suisse reiterated their 'underweight' stance on shares of Antofagasta, citing their near-record valuation and the deterioration in the company's previously high operational and corporate quality.
LXB makes further progress on lettings at Rushden Lakes
Retail-focussed Jersey resident closed-ended real estate investment company LXB Retail Properties announced further progress on lettings at Rushden Lakes on Wednesday.
US open: Stocks flat ahead of Fed, investors in Treasuries play it safe
A weaker-than-expected reading on US consumer prices sent US government bonds sharply higher, as the data sowed doubts about the likely pace of central bank rate hikes later in the year just hours before it was expected to raise them for a second time in 2017.
Porta buys another 15pc of Redleaf for £0.9m
International marketing and communications group Porta Communications announced on Wednesday that it had completed the acquisition of an additional 15% interest in Redleaf Polhill, for total consideration of £850,037, taking the company's interest in Redleaf to 81%.
Entu warns on earnings but remains upbeat long-term
Energy efficiency-focussed home improvement group Entu issued a trading update on Wednesday, reporting that - as it had set out in the full-year results statement on 29 March - the it was implementing a “detailed action plan” to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, leverage its supply chain, improve cash collection and strengthen controls.
US May CPI data sows doubts about pace of Fed rate hikes
The cost of living in the States declined markedly last month amid widespread softness in the core components.
FTSE 250 movers: Aveva up on report of Schneider interest; Acacia in the news again
London's FTSE 250 was up 0. 7% to 19,995. 68 in afternoon trade as market participants mulled the latest employment and wages data from the ONS, ahead of a rate announcement by the Fed.