Market Report
JP Morgan keeps BP and Shell as 'top picks' in EU Oils
Analysts at JP Morgan reiterated their 'overweight' stance on shares of BP and Royal Dutch Shell on Monday, telling clients that the 'cash cow' phase was now in "full swing", while pointing to continued deleveraging in the sector and the potential for further declines in cash 'breakeven' levels at the latter.
eServGlobal secures new €1m contract with Asia Pacific customer
Digital transactions technology company eServGlobal has signed a new contract with an existing customer in Asia Pacific worth around €1m.
US open: Small gains on the Street despite fears of another government shutdown
Wall Street trading began with some small gains on Monday as investors continued to eye trade relations between the US and China and considered the prospect of yet another government shutdown.
Harwood Wealth Management to buy Castleton Financial Planning for £1.6m
Financial planning and discretionary wealth management business, Harwood Wealth Management, has exchanged contracts to buy independent financial advisory firm Castleton Financial Planning for around £1. 6m.
Imperial Brands confirms departure of chairman Mark Williamson
Imperial Brands said on Monday that Mark Williamson will be stepping down as non-executive chairman of the tobacco company.
Asia report: Markets mixed amid post-holiday focus on trade war
Markets in Asia finished in a mixed state on Monday, as investors kept a close eye on the ongoing trade spat between Washington and Beijing, and a number of markets returned for their first full week after the Lunar New Year holidays.
CMA pushes back deadline for Sainsburys-Asda merger decisions
The date of the report by the UK competition watchdog into the proposed merger between Sainsbury's and Asda has been pushed back by eight weeks.
UK trade deficit shrinks less than hoped
The UK's trade deficit shrank in December, but this was a small crumb of comfort when manufacturing, construction and overall economic growth all shrank too.
Stride Gaming considering putting itself up for sale
AIM-listed gambling company Stride Gaming said on Monday that it is considering putting itself up for sale.
Ingersoll Rand to buy Precision Flow Systems for $1.45bn
Ingersoll Rand has made a binding offer to buy fluid management systems provider Precision Flow Systems from BC Partners Advisors and the Carlyle Group for $1. 45bn.
Crossword Cybersecurity revenues boosted by improved software sales
Crossword Cybersecurity expects to report improved revenues from its last trading year, driven by a strong increase in software sales.
Altus Strategies jumps after forking over Cameroon licences
Altus Strategies climbed on Monday after the company terminated its joint-venture, Aucam Resources, selling its stake in mining licenses in Cameroon to joint-venture partner Canyon Resources.
Morgan Stanley to buy Canada's Solium Capital for $900m
Morgan Stanley has agreed to buy Canada's Solium Capital - a provider of software-as-a-service for equity administration, financial reporting and compliance - for around $900m in cash.
Europe midday: Stocks bounce at the start of the week
Stocks on the Continent are bouncing back from the steep losses endured over the prior week, tracking a similar move on Wall Street last Friday and helped by some positive news on the global trade front.
Lok'nStore revenues rise amid 'robust' sales growth
Self-storage company Lok'nStore reported a rise in first-half revenue on Monday amid "robust" sales growth.
Smith & Nephew drops on NuVasive deal report
Shares in Smith & Nephew fell on Monday following a report that the maker of hip and knee replacement products is in discussions to buy US medical equipment company NuVasive for more than $3bn.
US pre-open: Stocks to edge up as investors mull trade relations, shutdown
US stocks looked set to edge higher at the open on Monday as investors continued to eye trade relations between the US and China and consider the prospect of another government shutdown.
Heale to step down as chair of Gulf Marine Services
Self-propelled self-elevating support vessel (SESV) provider Gulf Marine Services updated the market on its governance on Monday, confirming that Simon Heale was to step down as chairman.
GRC International gobbles up DQM Group in £5.9m deal
IT governance, risk management and compliance products and services supplier GRC International Group has conditionally agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of data consulting and technology solutions company DQM Group Holdings, it announced on Monday.
Witan Pacific sets 2021 goal to outperform its benchmark
Witan Pacific Investment Trust updated shareholders on its performance on Monday, noting that it had experienced “some underperformance” relative to its benchmark in recent years.