Market Report
US pre-open: Wall Street set for slightly higher start
Futures markets were pointing to a higher start for stocks on Wall Street on Wednesday, although investors were not expected to push their luck ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy announcement later in the day, especially given the proximity of the S&P 500's and Dow Imdustrials all-time highs.
UK manufacturing output grinds to a halt in three months to June
Manufacturing output in the UK ground to a halt in the three months to June as the pre-Brexit stockpiling boost faded, according to the latest survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
London midday: Stocks slip into the red as investors mull inflation data
London stocks had fallen into the red by midday on Wednesday as investors mulled the latest reading on UK inflation and eyed an upcoming policy announcement from the Federal Reserve.
Myanmar Investments shareholders reject takeover proposal
Myanmar Investments International updated the market on Myanmar Strategic Holdings’ potential takeover of the company on Wednesday, following its announcement earlier in the week that its board was unanimously rejecting the indicative proposal.
Europe midday: Financial markets little changed ahead of Fed decision
Stocks on the Continent were taking a breather early on Wednesday morning following the very sharp gains seen during the previous session, with investors also wary ahead of the US central bank's policy announcement due out after the market close in Frankfurt.
Inspired Energy enjoys 'strong' start to year
Energy procurement consultancy Inspired Energy told shareholders on Wednesday that it had enjoyed a “strong” first half of the year, as it continued to deliver on its stated growth strategy, trading in line with the board's expectations.
MC Mining signs off-take agreement with ArcelorMittal South Africa
MC Mining announced the completion of a “major milestone” on Wednesday, with the signing of an off-take agreement with ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA).
Echo Energy completes 3D seismic data acquisition at Tapi Aike
Latin America-focussed upstream oil and gas company Echo Energy announced the completion of the 3D seismic survey across the western cube on its Tapi Aike licence in Argentina on Wednesday, with processing of the data having now commenced.
Asia report: Markets rise on renewed US-China trade hopes
Markets in Asia were largely in the green as they closed on Wednesday, as investors reacted to some positive - but tentative - developments on the US-China trade front overnight.
Infrastructure India draws down another $20m for DLI facility work
Infrastructure India has drawn down a further $20m (£16m) under its financing with IIP Bridge Facility, it announced on Wednesday.
UK CPI dips in May, but some economists still see hike in Bank Rate
Consumer level inflation slowed a tad last month, led by a seasonal decline in air fares and a drop in new car prices, but some economists still saw scope for Bank to hike interest rates before the year was out.
Sunrise Resources offloads holding in Block Energy
Sunrise Resources has sold its shareholding in Block Energy, it announced on Wednesday.
Broker tips: Just Group, Royal Dutch Shell, Tesco
Barclays reiterated its choice of Royal Dutch Shell as its 'top pick' in the the European Integrated Oil and Refinancing space, labelling the 9%-plus dividend and buyback yield on which Shell shares were trading "attractive" and reiterating its 3,250. 0p target price.
Caspian Sunrise pleased with progress at BNG asset
Caspian Sunrise updated the market on operations at its flagship BNG asset on Wednesday, following its announcement that the interval of interest at Deep Well A8 extended 110 metres from a depth of 4,346 metres.
Quartix investment in fleet business paying off in first half
Subscription-based vehicle tracking company Quartix Holdings updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, reporting that it was expecting to report revenue, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow for its first half of approximately £12. 6m, £3. 5m and £3. 0m, respectively.
Barclays reiterates 'top pick' for Royal Dutch Shell, labels shares "attractive"
Barclays reiterated its choice of Royal Dutch Shell as its 'top pick' in the the European Integrated Oil and Refinancing space, labelling the 9%-plus dividend and buyback yield on which Shell shares were trading "attractive" and reiterating its 3,250. 0p target price.
CYBG confirms Virgin Money name change amid further cost-cutting
CYBG on Wednesday said it will change its name to Virgin Money UK PLC before the end of the year as it outlined further cost-cutting objectives.
Just Eat slumps on UBS downgrade
Just Eat shares slumped on Wednesday after UBS downgraded its stance on the stock to 'neutral' from 'buy' and slashed the price target to 650p from 870p as it highlighted the need for incremental investments.
Blackbird inks major video platform deal with A+E Networks
Cloud video platform provider Blackbird has agreed a “significant” six-figure, multi-year deal with US-based television broadcaster A+E Networks.
Blue Prism to buy Thoughtonomy for up to £80m; posts rise in H1 revenue
Blue Prism said on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy cloud services company Thoughtonomy for up to £80m as it posted an 82% rise in first-half revenue.