Market Report
US initial jobless claims drop more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped more than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
Belvoir Lettings exceeds Assisted Acquisitions target for 2018
Belvoir Lettings exceeded its 2018 target for ‘Assisted Acquisitions’ by its franchisees, it announced on Thursday, which it said was a core part of its growth strategy.
Berenberg downgrades Burberry as luxury sector too pricey
Growth prospects for Burberry and other luxury stocks face "undoubtedly more downside than upside risk", warned Berenberg as it downgraded its stance on the sector.
Continuing revenue improves comfortably for McBride
Household, cleaning and hygiene products contract manufacturer McBride updated the market on its trading for the six months ended 31 December on Thursday, reporting that its first half continuing revenues at constant currency were 10. 8% higher than the prior year.
Mitchells & Butlers customers go down the pub at Christmas
Pub operator Mitchells & Butlers reported a strong Christmas as it welcomed record levels of festive feasting from customers looking to escape their own kitchens or in-laws.
Asia report: Markets mostly lower as China data disappoints
Markets in Asia were mostly in the red as they closed on Thursday, after Chinese inflation data disappointed analysts, and investors reacted to the end of three days of trade negotiations between Beijing and Washington.
Europe midday: Stocks trim early losses, central banks in focus
Stocks in Europe are little changed for the most part, paring early losses on the back of a 'dovish' set of European Central Bank meeting minutes.
DFS posts sales growth but cautious about outlook
Furniture retailer DFS posted strong growth in underlying sales for the five months to 30 December on Thursday but said it was mindful of near-term political and economic uncertainty, as it announced the departure of chief financial officer Nicola Bancroft.
Corbyn urges general election to break Brexit 'deadlock'
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn ramped up calls on Thursday for a general election to "break the deadlock" over Brexit.
China December CPI and factory gate prices undershoot forecasts
The cost of living in the People's Republic of China fell more quickly than anticipated last month as energy prices fell back, alongside a more broad-based drop in factory gate inflation which analysts said was "consistent" with other evidence of softer demand.
Proactis appoints Tim Sykes as new chief executive
eCommerce solutions provider Proactis appointed Tim Sykes as chief executive with immediate effect on Thursday, taking over from Hamp Wall who has stepped down from the board altogether.
US pre-open: Stocks to drop amid shutdown worries, China slowdown
US stocks looked set for losses at the open on Thursday amid concerns about the government shutdown and following weaker-than-forecast Chinese inflation data.
Quartix announces supplementary dividend following solid performance
Vehicle tracking specialist Quartix expects full-year revenues, profits and free cash-flow to be in line with forecasts after a solid performance from its core fleet business in the USA and France.
IndigoVision expects significant reduction in losses following strong sales
Edinburgh-based video surveillance outfit IndigoVision anticipates a significant reduction in losses after the group witnessed sales move ahead in its last financial year.
London midday: Stocks slightly lower amid retail update deluge
It was all about the retail sector on Thursday, with London stocks slightly weaker by midday as investors mulled updates from the likes of Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Halfords.
DekelOil makes development progress as crude palm oil production falls
West Africa-focussed agricultural company DekelOil Public issued its production update for the 100%-owned vertically integrated Ayenouan palm oil project in Côte d'Ivoire for the year ended 31 December on Thursday, reporting full-year crude palm oil (CPO) production of 33,077 tonnes.
Tesco the Christmas star as value offer outshines rivals
Grocery sector market leader Tesco outshone its big four listed rivals over Christmas, with sales growth that exceeded the market and analysts' forecasts.
SigmaRoc strengthens focus on west and south west UK
Buy-and-build construction materials group SigmaRoc updated the market on two key developments in the continued roll-out of its growth strategy on Thursday.
Rurelec expecting payment progress after steam turbine overhaul
Rurelec announced on Thursday that it had been informed by the management of Energia del Sur, which owns and operates the 136 MW Southern Patagonian CCGT power plant in Argentina, that the major overhaul of the steam turbine had now been completed, and the combined cycle plant was now fully operational and available for dispatch.
MCH Group offloads Winkler Livecom in management buyout
MCH Group has sold its technical live communication service subsidiary Winkler Livecom AG in Wohlen to its management, and a private investor.