Market Report
Caledonia Investments to take minority stake in Stonehage Fleming
Caledonia Investments has agreed terms to acquire a minority stake in independently-owned family office Stonehage Fleming Family & Partners, it announced on Friday.
London close: Stocks end just higher but Santa's nowhere to be seen
London stocks ended just in the green on Friday, recovering from earlier losses but still languishing around their lowest level in more than two years amid worries about a global growth slowdown, souring relations between the US and China and the prospect of US government shutdown.
Europe close: Muted finish as stocks recover, but Christmas cheer lacking
European shares ended flat to slightly higher on Friday, recovering from earlier losses as US markets staged a modest rally, but there was a distinct lack of Christmas cheer amid worries about a global economic slowdown, the ongoing trade dispute between China and the US and a potential government shutdown in Washington.
Director dealings: Learning Technologies director ups stake
Learning Technologies non-executive director Leslie-Ann Reed purchased 15,523 shares in the AIM-listed software and computer services firm on Friday.
FTSE 250 movers: Hikma slips but JD Sports sprints ahead
London's FTSE 250 was down 0. 36% at 17,384. 94 in afternoon trade on Friday, with international transport operator Stagecoach dropping on the back of a broker note.
FTSE 100 movers: Just Eat gains on Takeaway.com news
A Santa rally looked very much off the cards on Friday as London's FTSE 100 hugged the flat line at 6,711. 28 in afternoon trade, with traders sitting on their hands amid souring relations between the US and China and the prospect of a US government shutdown.
US consumer sentiment improves in December - Uni Michigan
Consumer sentiment in the US improved in December, according to a final reading from the University of Michigan.
US open: Stocks trade mostly higher despite fears of government shutdown
US stocks turned mostly higher at the open on Friday despite worries about a possible government shutdown and slowing global growth.
US third-quarter GDP revised down to 3.4%
Third-quarter economic growth in the US was revised down by the Commerce Department on Friday.
Peel Hunt downgrades Headlam to 'hold'
Analysts at Peel Hunt downgraded floor coverings distributor Headlam to 'hold' from its previous 'buy' rating on Friday, citing a cautious view on the firm's outlook.
Cora Gold mobilises rig to Sanankoro Discovery
West Africa-focussed gold exploration company Cora Gold announced the mobilisation of a multipurpose drill rig to recommence its drill programme at the Sanankoro Gold Discovery in Southern Mali on Friday.
Week ahead: Christmas, jobless claims, festive AGMs
Next week, with Christmas on Tuesday, will be very quiet.
Novacyt launches two new CE-marked molecular products
Clinical diagnostics specialist Novacyt announced the launch of new CE-marked approved molecular products, the ‘genesig’ Real-Time PCR BK virus (BKV) kit and the ‘genesig’ Real-Time PCR Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) kit.
GoldStone makes progress at Akrokeri-Homase Project
GoldStone Resources updated the market on activities at its Akrokeri-Homase Gold Project in the Ashanti Region of Ghana on Friday, reporting that progress was being made within the area of Akrokeri that hosted the numerous artisanal shafts and pits, where it was making safe the shallow workings, and those that had been accessed were being mapped.
GAN partners with European slot manufacturer SYNOT
Gambling software-as-a-service provider GAN announced a partnership with major European slot manufacturer SYNOT, worth in excess of £0. 4m, on Friday.
GRC International partners with Saracens Rugby Club
IT governance, risk management and compliance product supplier GRC International Group announced a three-year partnership with reigning Gallagher Premiership champions, Saracens Rugby Club, to deliver cyber risk and privacy management solutions.
Dekeloil makes significant stake in Tiebissou project ahead of schedule
West African focused agricultural company Dekeloil has acquired an initial 43. 8% interest in the Tiebissou cashew processing project in Cote d'Ivoire via an investment into Pearlside Holdings.
Yew Grove lowers interim dividend after acquisition
Real estate investment trust Yew Grove warned investors on Thursday that its interim dividend would be "marginally lower" than anticipated, despite seeing its annualised passing rent hit €6. 3m thanks to its acquisition of three office properties in Letterkenny, County Donegal.
Marlowe acquires British auditing and consultancy service
Support services group Marlowe acquired William Martin Compliance Solutions for an implied total enterprise value of £30m on Friday.
Asia report: Markets sink as BoJ stands pat on interest rates
Markets in Asia mostly sank on Friday, led by Japan, after that country’s central bank stood pat on interest rate policy, and after a serious sell-off on Wall Street overnight.