Market Report
US close: Dow bounces back as energy stocks rally on news of tanker attacks
Wall Street closed higher on Thursday after Donald Trump declined to set a deadline on slapping tariffs on a further $325bn-worth of Chinese imports and energy stocks rallied on the back of two oil tankers being damaged in suspected attacks off the coast of Iran.
Friday preview: US-China data, SThree in focus
The focus will be on the US and China at the end of the week, but not because of their ongoing trade standoff.
Europe close: Stocks finish higher as trade tensions ebb a little
European stocks finished the session on the front foot thanks to a slightly more constructive tone from the White House overnight, despite reports of suspected attacks against two tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
DS Smith overdelivers on profits, sounds bullish note on outlook
DS Smith posted better-than-expected full-year profits despite falling short of some analysts' estimates for topline growth, while sounding a bullish note on the outlook for "certain export-led markets" and revising higher some of its medium-term financial targets.
FTSE 250 movers: Contour crushed, Just Group leaps
London's FTSE 250 was 0. 41% lower at 19,171. 03 in afternoon trading on Thursday, as power generation business Contour Global led the index lower.
London close: Stocks end session on a mixed note amid trade and geopolitical jitters
London stocks finished on a mixed note on Thursday amid worries about Sino-US trade relations and increased tensions in the Persian Gulf after two tankers were set ablaze, even as Boris Johnson won the first round of voting to become the next Prime Minister.
Brent crude oil futures jump on reports of tanker on fire in Sea of Oman
Crude oil futures jumped on the back of reports that two oil tankers off the coast of Fujairah, in the Sea of Oman, were on fire.
Broker tips: Ferguson, Paragon
Jefferies reiterated its 'buy' recommendation for shares of Ferguson on Thursday, highlighting the company's better-than-average growth prospects, inexpensive valuation and the possibility of higher returns to shareholders.
Nelson Peltz's Trian builds 5.98% stake in Ferguson
Funds controlled by Trian Fund Management have amassed a 5. 98% stake in plumbers' merchant Ferguson.
Director dealings: Polymetal chairman ups stake
Polymetal revealed on Thursday that chairman Ian Cockerill had acquired 6,800 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed miner.
FTSE 100 movers: Ferguson rallies as Trian takes stake; Persimmon goes ex-div
London's FTSE 100 was flat at 7,367. 47 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
Canaccord reiterates 'buy' rating on Paragon
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity on Thursday reiterated their 'buy' rating on attractions design and fit-out business Paragon, stating the group's interim results a day earlier demonstrated their "positive thesis in action".
US open: Stocks go green trying to rebound from two days of losses
Wall Street trading began on a positive note at the open on Thursday as US President Donald Trump declined to set a deadline on slapping tariffs on a further $325bn-worth of Chinese imports.
US jobless claims unexpectedly tick higher
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, according to figures from the Labor Department.
SSE to close last-remaining UK coal plant
SSE has announced the closure of its last remaining and loss-making UK coal-fired plant, Fiddler's Ferry in Warrington, Cheshire.
Jackpot Joy owner JPJ to buy bingo software developer Gamesys
Jackpot Joy owner JPJ Group has agreed to buy bingo software developer Gamesys for around £490m.
Euro area industrial production dips in April, German output weakest
Output in the single currency bloc's industrial sector continued to be mired in the red in April, amid sharp declines in German and Dutch production.
Trump doesn't specify deadline for new tariffs on China
US President Donald Trump declined to set a deadline on Wednesday for the latest tariffs he is planning to impose on Chinese goods.
City watchdog slams disgraced RBS unit, defends decision to take no action
There was clear evidence a controversial Royal Bank of Scotland unit mistreated customers, the Financial Conduct Authority said on Tuesday – but reiterated it was unable to sanction the bank.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Trump enigmatic on new China tariffs
Asian markets were mixed and slightly subdued on Thursday as Donald Trump declined to set a deadline for new tariffs on Chinese goods and demonstrations in Hong Kong calmed down.