Market Report
Thomas Cook shares rise on Nordic division takeover reports
Shares in Thomas Cook surged into the green on Thursday afternoon, amid reports that one of Europe’s biggest takeover specialists was looking to bite off its Nordic operations.
Europe midday: Stocks slip amid concerns of a protracted trade spat
Stocks on the Continent are seeing sharp falls amid continued negative headlines around US-China trade even as analysts and market commentary grow increasingly downbeat on the prospects for a relatively quick resolution.
China asks US to correct 'wrong actions' or trade talks won't continue
The Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that the US needs to correct its "wrong actions" if it wants trade talks to continue and put an end to the tensions.
EasyHotel pre-lets all office space at flagship Old Street site
Budget hotel operator easyHotel has pre-let all 15,500 square feet of self-contained office accommodation at its property on the 80 Old Street, London refurbishment project to a single tenant, it announced on Thursday.
Phoenix Global Mining raises £0.7m to fund feasibility study
North America-focussed base and precious metals exploration and development company Phoenix Global Mining has raised £0. 7m before expenses by way of a placing and subscription of 4,117,647 new ordinary shares at a price of 17p each, it announced on Thursday.
Best Buy same-store sales beat quarterly estimates
US electronics retailer Best Buy's first-quarter same-store sales came in ahead of expectations on the Street, with sales of wearable devices and tablets leading the charge.
VR Education shoots for the moon with museum and Oculus deals
VR Education on Thursday signed a commercial agreement with the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for use of the group's Apollo 11 VR experience, which has also been chosen by Facebook as part of the Oculus Anywhere Programme.
US initial jobless claims unexpectedly drop
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly dropped last week, according to figures from the Labor Department.
Trinity Exploration lays 'strong foundations' for growth in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago-focussed exploration and production company Trinity Exploration told shareholders on Thursday that in the last year, it had successfully taken steps to ensure that “strong foundations” were in place for continued growth, as well as setting a path for “game-changing” long term development.
Metal Tiger pleased with progress at Kalahari Metals investment
Strategic natural resources investor Metal Tiger updated the market on the exploration activities of Kalahari Metals on Thursday, reporting that following the approval of the environmental management plan for its Ngami Copper Project by the Botswana Department of Environmental Affairs, gazetting of that plan had now been completed, allowing the start of diamond drilling at the project.
Coats revenues slip as FX headwinds weigh on growth
Industrial thread company Coats Group saw reported sales slip in the first four months of the year as a result of currency translation headwinds.
Gateley revenues break £100m barrier
Professional services firm Gateley witnessed some strong trading in the second half of its trading year, with both revenues and profits growing year-on-year.
Norish profits soar as group continues to make 'substantial' progress
Warehousing and logistics firm Norish continued to make "substantial progress" in the first four months of the year, with pre-tax profits moving ahead considerably on the group's 2018 figures.
Stilo warns investors of 'material drop' in revenues
Software and cloud services outfit Stilo warned investors on Thursday that it was set to report a "material drop" in revenue and a loss for the trading half ending 30 June 2019.
Thomas Cook subjected to downgrades from Fitch and S&P
Thomas Cook was subjected to downgrades from credit rating agencies Fitch and S&P on Thursday, with the agencies concerned that the travel operator will struggle with weak demand over the summer.
US pre-open: Futures point to heavy losses as trade tensions remain in focus
Futures on Wall Street were pointing to some heavy losses at the opening bell on Thursday, with fears that trade tensions between Washington and Beijing would get worse rather than better doing the rounds.
Young's FY profit rises but 2019 sees 'tough' start
Pub operator Young & Co's reported a rise in full-year profit and revenue on Thursday as it hiked its dividend but cautioned that it had had a tough start to the year after the "amazing" summer of 2018 and the boost from the World Cup.
London midday: Stocks fall further as trade, Brexit woes weigh
London stocks had extended losses by midday on Thursday amid growing concerns about Brexit and Sino-US trade relations.
Asia report: Markets mostly lower as hopes for trade resolution fade
Most markets in Asia finished in the red on Thursday, as trade tensions between the US and China continued to fray on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.
Hollywood Bowl makes strong start with revenue up across business
Hollywood Bowl Group reported total revenues of £67m for the six months ended 31 March on Thursday, up from £63. 6m at the same time a year ago.