Market Report
Jefferies initiates coverage on 'kingmaker' Auto Trader at 'hold'
Analysts at Jefferies initiated coverage on classified advertising business Auto Trader at 'hold' on Wednesday, noting that its digital rebirth had been so well executed that it had seen the firm be anointed the UK's "automotive Kingmaker", a moniker the broker said came with many enviable traits.
Commodities: Saudi's Al-Falih doesn't rule out 'further measures'
Energy futures were again the most sought-out segment in the commodity space on Wednesday as the Greenback extended its recent correction on the back of 'dovish' remarks from multiple top officials from the US Federal Reserve.
Thursday preview: Federal Reserve, UK retailers in focus
Barring surprises, the focus on Thursday will continue to be on the US central bank, with another raft of officials scheduled to take to the podium.
US oil product stockpiles jump last week, DoE says
US crude oil inventories fell by less than analysts had expected last week, helped by a big rise in net imports, even as product stockpiles jumped, a "clear" sign of receding demand, analysts said.
Fed's Rosengren argues for pause, suspects financial markets 'unduly pessimistic'
One of the US central bank's heretofore more 'hawkish' policymakers argued the case for patience before deciding on the next move in monetary policy, even broaching the possibility that no further tightening might be needed.
Europe close: Shares on the Continent extend gains
European shares extended their relief rally following reports of progress overnight in US-China trade talks, market chatter around possible new fiscal stimulus in China and 'dovish' remarks out of at least three top US central bank officials.
Small caps round-up
Topps Tiles reported a drop in first-quarter revenue on Wednesday amid a "challenging" market backdrop.
London close: Shares extend 'relief rally'
London stocks extended their relief rally on Wednesday amid optimism about the latest round of US-China trade talks and hopes that moves in Westminster have lowered the chance of a no-deal Brexit, with housebuilders leading the charge.
FTSE 250 movers: Ted Baker enjoys a merry Christmas, Just Group declines
London’s FTSE 250 closed up 1. 3% at 18,413. 71 on Wednesday, with Ted Baker making strong gains after customers embraced festive deals.
Germany and France to sign extension of reconciliation treaty to strengthen EU
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to sign an extension of their 55-year-old reconciliation treaty on 22 January to try and strengthen the EU against forces trying to tear it apart.
Verona Pharma granted WHO approval for Ensifentrine name
Clinical stage biopharmaceutical outfit Verona Pharma has been granted approval of the name Ensifentrine for its first-in-class, inhaled, dual inhibitor drug candidate RPL554 by the World Health Organisation.
Director dealings: Eagle Eye COO ups stake
Eagle Eye Solutions chief operating officer David Aylmer acquired 4,669 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed software-as-a-service outfit on Wednesday, upping his stake to a total of 18,307 ordinary shares as a result.
Wincanton secures two new contracts with Weetabix
Logistics company Wincanton has been appointed by Weetabix to provide transport, warehousing and co-packing services from February.
US open: Stocks edge higher amidst optimism surrounding trade talks
US stocks edged higher at the open on Wednesday as investors took news that talks between US and Chinese officials had carried on another day as a sign that both parties were close to an agreement on trade.
FTSE 100 movers: Housebuilders rally but Vodafone hit by broker note
London's FTSE 100 was up 0. 9% at 6,925. 82 in afternoon trade on Wednesday, buoyed by hopes that the US and China can come to an agreement on trade.
Curtis Banks CFO Paul Tarran to step down by end of the year
Independent SIPP operator Curtis Banks said on Wednesday that Paul Tarran plans to step down as chief financial officer by the end of this year.
Trump and top Democrats trade blows over US government shutdown
US President Donald Trump used his first televised address to the American people to blame Democrats for the continuing government shutdown, now the second longest in history.
Fed's Bostic sees 'mixed signals', mentions possible cut in rates
The head of the Federal Reserve bank of Atlanta sounded a confident note on the economy, albeit one tinged with caution.
Anglo African raises £6m to complete well TLP-103C
Anglo African Oil & Gas has raised gross proceeds of £6m through a placing of 60 million new ordinary shares at a price of 10p each, it announced on Wednesday.
Fed toying with recession, rate cut could happen, Bullard says
One of the US central bank's most 'dovish' rate-setters argued against further monetary policy tightening, warning that it was toying with possibly pushing the economy into recession.