Market Report
Ofcom boss quits to become first female chair of John Lewis
The John Lewis Partnership has named Ofcom boss Sharon White chairman, the first woman to hold the role.
US initial jobless claims flat
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week was steady, according to figures released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
Asia report: Markets mixed as China struggles amid rate cut optimism
Asian markets were mixed on Thursday as Chinese indices struggled for gains as other markets gained on investor optimism that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates.
US pre-open: Futures pointing to another positive session on the Street
Stock futures were pointing to yet another positive open on Thursday, with investors seemingly hopeful that an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve was imminent.
Mitchells & Butlers shares 'cheap as chips', says Berenberg
Mitchells & Butlers shares are "cheap as chips", Berenberg said on Thursday as it bumped up its stance on the stock to buy' from 'hold' and lifted the price target to 360p from 265p.
ECB says rates on hold 'at least' through first half of 2020
The European Central Bank pushed back on expectations for the first hike in official short-term interest rates, saying they would remain at their present level "at least" through the front half of 2020.
Europe midday: Stocks extend gains on hopes for central bank easing
Stock markets across the Continent are moving higher despite the ongoing trade frictions around the world, with investors at least in part apparently pinning their hopes on the prospect for easier policy from central banks as the waited for the European Central Bank's policy announcement later in the day.
London midday: Stocks extend gains ahead of ECB announcement
London stocks had extended gains by midday on Thursday as investors eyed the latest policy announcement from the European Central Bank, with strong performances from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Aviva and Go-Ahead providing a boost.
Trump needs more progress to avert Mexico tariffs, worries
Trump said on Wednesday that he needs to see more progress in talks between the US and Mexico before walking back on his threat to slap tariffs on up to 25% of all Mexican imports.
Xpediator reshuffles boardroom
Freight management firm Xpediator switched up its executive team on Thursday, with a number of key board members changing places.
BoE governor calls for closer cross-border cooperation
The Governor of the Bank of England has called on emerging and advanced economies to work together more closely to reduce volatility in cross-border investing.
Joules guides towards upper end of expectations for profits
Lifestyle brand Joules anticipates full-year profits will come in at the upper end of expectations after witnessing the continued expansion of its brand across channels and markets.
Autins warns on earnings as margin recovery stalls
Insulation solutions group Autins told investors on Thursday that it had continued to witness positive momentum in the first half of its trading year despite "challenging trading conditions", but pushed back on expectations for a recovery in margins, sending its shares sharply lower.
John Menzies appoints Giles Watson as CEO
Aviation services business John Menzies has appointed Giles Wilson as its new chief executive officer with immediate effect.
Fiat Chrysler puts brakes on €33bn Renault merger
Car maker Fiat Chrysler announced on Thursday that it was pulling its €33bn merger proposal with Renault after French government intervention in the deal.
System1 revenues and profits come in flat as AdRatings investment continues
Marketing agency System1 turned in a broadly flat set of results on Thursday as a result of significant investments into its new business line.
Mitie swings to full-year profit
Outsourcer Mitie said on Thursday that it swung to a full-year profit as revenue rose thanks to a strong performance from its core businesses.
CMC Markets slashes dividend, but client money sees 'robust' increase
A bruising 2018 saw CMC Markets post a sharp drop in both net operating income and profits, leading the firm to slash its dividend payout, but some analysts chose to point out he "robust" rise in client money.
Osirium Technologies scores contract with mystery European telco
Cloud-based cybersecurity software firm Osirium Technologies has inked a contract with a major provider of business and domestic telecoms services in Southern Europe.
Amino Technologies restates guidance following implementation of transformation programme
Media and entertainment solutions outfit Amino Technologies told investors on Thursday it had made "good progress" with its transformation programme, which it expects to deliver annualised cost savings of $5m.