Market Report
Petro Matad makes solid progress with planned drilling programme
Mongolia-focussed oil explorer Petro Matad updated the market on its progress towards its planned drilling programme in 2019, and its application for PSC extensions for Blocks IV and V on Wednesday.
Dillistone Group trading in line as it progresses restructure
Recruitment software and services supplier Dillistone Group told investors on Wednesday that its restructuring exercise was progressing “well”, with its expanded office space in Basingstoke said to now be fully functional.
Next 15 in line with expectations as acquisitions make 'strong' contribution
Digital communications company Next Fifteen Communications Group told shareholders on Wednesday that had started the year in line with the board’s expectations.
No-deal Brexit concerns growing, Carney tells MPs
Market expectations of a no-deal Brexit are on the rise, the Governor of the Bank of England has warned MPs.
JP Morgan Irish arm hit with €1.6m fine
The Irish subsidiary of US banking giant JP Morgan Chase & Co has been fined nearly €2m for regulatory breaches.
Vianet in 'good shape' to deliver 'strong' earnings growth
Internet of Things platform provider Vianet chairman James Dickson told investors at the group's annual general meeting on Wednesday that the good momentum experienced by the firm last year had continued into its new financial year.
US durable goods orders shrink unexpectedly in May
Orders in the US for goods made to last more than three years, a key gauge of business investment, softened unexpectedly in May, amid drops in those for civilian and military aircraft.
Bonmarche makes U-turn on Philip Day bid after 'poor' Q1 trading
Bonmarche shares tanked on Wednesday after the womenswear retailer made a U-turn on its previous rejection of a bid from Philip Day's Spectre Holdings, following "poor" first-quarter trading.
US goods trade deficit widens unexpectedly in May, imports higher
America's shortfall in trade on goods with the rest of the world widened last month as imports rose more quickly than expected, contrary to expectations for declines in both exports and imports.
BCA Marketplace posts rise in profit as TDR Capital confirms £1.9bn offer
Private equity firm TDR Capital confirmed on Wednesday that it has made a £1. 9bn offer for car auctioneer BCA Marketplace, as the WeBuyAnyCar. com owner posted a jump in full-year revenue and profit.
Volex to buy Hong Kong-based Ta Hsing for up to $5.5m
Volex, a provider of cable assemblies and power cords, has agreed to buy Hong Kong-based Ta Hsing for up to $5. 5m in cash.
Europe midday: Stocks perk up on positive reports ahead of US-China trade talks
Stocks on the Continent were edging higher come midday following reports that the US might shelve plans for another round of tariffs on Chinese exports as preparations for the two countries' Presidents to meet continued.
White House may suspend plans for next round of trade tariffs
Washington may not go ahead with another round of levies on Chinese exports while the two capitals are preparing to resume trade talks.
Lookers valuation 'extreme', says Liberum
Lookers' valuation looks "extreme", Liberum said on Wednesday, a day after the car dealership's shares tanked on news of a Financial Conduct Authority investigation into its sales processes.
Asia report: Markets mixed in subdued trading after Powell comments
Markets in Asia were mixed in subdued trading on Wednesday, as investors digested the latest rhetoric from the US Federal Reserve chair, suggesting the central bank was taking a more hands-off approach to the prospect of interest rate cuts.
US pre-open: Futures surge as Mnuchin spies path ahead for trade talks
Stock futures surged ahead of the opening bell on Wall Street on Wednesday after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the US and China had been "about 90% of the way there" on a deal.
Mortgage approvals ease off previous highs
Mortgage lending eased slightly in May, data published by the UK’s high street banks showed on Wednesday.
Zoo Digital's shares dive after margins slashed
Zoo Digital's shares slid on Wednesday after it reported a drop in EBITDA margins, though it swung to an annual profit after revenues edged up, despite the disruption after losing a project in the second half of the year.
London midday: Stocks steady as traders mull Fed comments; mortgage approvals in focus
London stocks were little changed by midday on Wednesday as investors weighed up signs of progress in Sino-US trade relations against more dovish signals from the Federal Reserve.
Wednesday broker round-up
Ted Baker: RBC Capital Markets downgrades to sector performer with a target price of 900p.