Market Report
Asia report: Markets rise amid Fed rate cut speculation
Asian markets were largely higher on Wednesday, tracking gains on Wall Street, with US indices having gained on the back of speculation that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates in order to shield America's economy from the fallout from the trade war.
Europe midday: Stocks mostly higher, Italian issues fall after IMF highlights risks
Stocks are holding higher as traders assess the more dovish policy stance of central bankers in the US and on the back of a slight ebbing in trade tensions.
Eurozone retail sales ease as consumers rein in spending
Retail sales eased across the eurozone in April, official data published on Wednesday showed, as consumer sentiment remained muted.
Curtis Banks taps WH Ireland finance director as CFO
British self-invested personal pension provider Curtis Banks appointed Dan Cowland to the role of chief financial officer on Wednesday.
Alpha FMC raises full-year dividend following 'strong growth'
British consulting company Alpha FMC saw both revenues and earnings move ahead in its last trading year, leading it to up its full-year dividend on Wednesday.
US pre-open: Stocks set to continue rally as Powell comments boost sentiment
Wall Street futures were pointing to a positive start to the session on Wednesday, with stocks attempting to extend the rally started on Tuesday.
London midday: Stocks extend gains as investors mull services data
London stocks had extended gains by midday on Wednesday, with sentiment underpinned by a more dovish stance from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell, as investors digested the latest reading on the UK services sector.
Euro area producer prices surprise sharply to the downside in May
Factory gate prices in the single currency bloc dropped unexpectedly in April amid a downdraft in energy costs and falling inflation in France and Italy.
Biffa to reorganise into two divisions; annual profits drop
Waste management company Biffa posted a drop in full-year profit on Wednesday, dented by onerous contracts and debt payments, as it said it will reorganise the group into two divisions.
UK services sector activity picks up in May but remains subdued
Activity in the UK services sector picked up more than expected in May but remained subdued amid Brexit uncertainty, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
Hurricane Energy announces 'first oil' at Lancaster
British oil and gas firm Hurricane Energy completed the start-up phase of its Aoka Mizu floating production storage and offloading unit with a 72-hour production test at its Lancaster field.
K3 Capital earnings expected to hit upper end of re-forecast estimates
Sales specialist K3 Capital told investors on Wednesday that its full-year adjusted EBITDA was expected to come in at the upper end of its re-forecast estimates.
Kropz delays commissioning of Elandsfontein mine to Q4 2020
Plant nutrient producer Kropz told investors on Wednesday that additional test work and capital was still required for the recommissioning of its Elandsfontein mine, which it expects to continue into the third quarter of 2019.
Euro area services PMI hits three-month high in May, but confidence sours
Eurozone services expanded at a "modest" pace last month, extending the sector's growth streak to just under six years, with Germany and Spain continuing to fare best, while in Italy activity levels continued to fall.
China services sector growth eases more than expected in May
Growth in China's services sector eased more than expected in May, according to data released on Wednesday.
Europe open: Stocks extend bounce, with sentiment boosted by more dovish central banks
Stocks have started the session moving higher, with traders citing the more dovish policy stance of US central bankers and a slight ebbing in trade tensions for the move.
AA says trading in line, on track to deliver 'strong' FCF generation
Roadside assistance provider and insurer AA said on Wednesday that trading was in line with expectations.
Oracle Power plans to develop Pakistani power plant in single phase
Energy developer Oracle Power has reached an agreement with Beijing Jingneng Power and PowerChina over how best to proceed with its coal mine and mine mouth power plant in the south-eastern Sindh Province of Pakistan.
Ryanair traffic jumps 13% in May
Budget airline Ryanair posted a 13% jump in May traffic on Wednesday.
Go-Ahead names Elodie Brian as permanent CFO
British public transport operator Go-Ahead Group made interim chief financial officer Elodie Brian's appointment permanent on Wednesday.