Market Report
Steppe Cement sees prices rise as its market share in Kazakhstan improves
Steppe Cement reported first-half sales of 780,315 tonnes of cement for KZT 14. 08bn in a trading update on Wednesday, rising from 738,228 tonnes for KZT 10. 54bn in the first half of 2018.
Newly-rebranded Equals Group pleased with first half performance
Electronic banking and payments provider Equals Group - formerly known as FairFX - updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, reporting that it had seen further strong growth in its first half.
Europe midday: Stocks rise after positive data, 'dovish' Fed chairman
Stocks on the Continent are moving higher with sentiment buoyed by stronger than expected readings on industrial production out of France and Italy and what at first glance appeared to be a dovish speech from US central bank chairman Jerome Powell.
Sir Kim Darroch steps down as US ambassador
Sir Kim Darroch, the British ambassador to the US, has resigned, the Foreign Office confirmed on Wednesday.
Redx offloads pan-RAF inhibitor programme to Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Redx Pharma has signed a definitive agreement with Jazz Pharmaceuticals, it announced on Wednesday, under which Jazz has acquired Redx's pan-RAF inhibitor programme for the potential treatment of RAF and RAS mutant tumours.
Gamma Communications trades 'slightly above' expectations in first half
Technology-based communications provider Gamma Communications expects earnings per share and underlying earnings to be "slightly above" market expectations after continuing to perform well through the first six months of the year.
Ten Entertainment revenues grow in 'strong' first half
Bowling centre operator Ten Entertainment revealed on Wednesday that it had traded "well" during the first half of its trading year, with both like-for-like and total sales improving year-on-year.
US pre-open: Dow futures point to fourth straight losing session
Wall Street futures were pointing to another loss-making session ahead of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell's testimony to the House Financial Services Committee later in the day.
London midday: Stocks slip ahead of Fed's Powell
London stocks were little changed come midday as investors eyed a key testimony by Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell later in the day and digested GDP suggesting that the UK economy may have avoided an outright contraction in the second quarter.
Eurozone downgrades growth forecasts as global trade tensions rise
The European Commission has revised down its 2020 growth forecast for the Eurozone, blaming heightened global trade tensions and the threat of a no-deal Brexit.
Asia report: Most markets higher ahead of Powell testimony
Most markets in Asia finished higher on Wednesday, as traders eagerly awaited the start of Jerome Powell’s semi-annual testimony in front of the House Financial Services Committee in the United States.
Wetherspoon's maintains guidance as like-for-like sales continue to grow
UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon has seen both like-for-like and total sales grow year-to-date, leading it to keep its expectations for the full-year unchanged.
Alpha FX revenue growth accelerates in first half
Foreign exchange outfit Alpha FX saw revenues accelerate in the first half of its trading year, driven by growth in its core UK corporate market.
Berenberg ups price target on London Stock Exchange
Berenberg has reiterated its ‘buy’ rating on the London Stock Exchange, arguing that listed exchanges are fairly valued, despite concerns to the contrary.
UK economy returns to growth as car production picks up
The UK economy grew in May, reversing earlier declines, as previously stalled car production started to pick up, official figures showed on Wednesday.
Intelligent Ultrasound expects to report improved group turnover
Artificial intelligence software firm Intelligent Ultrasound expects to report an improved group turnover as part of its interim report card later this month.
Avesoro Resources reiterates production guidance despite second quarter dip
West Africa-focussed gold producer Avesoro Resources released its preliminary production results for the quarter ended 30 June on Wednesday, from its New Liberty Gold Mine in Liberia and the Youga Gold Mine in Burkina Faso.
Biffa trading in line as it pursues growth strategy
Biffa said trading in the first three months of its current financial year was in line with the board’s own expectations on Wednesday, as investors gathered for the company’s annual general meeting.
Dunelm guides toward higher full-year profits
Dunelm saw sales accelerate over the past three months even as margins increased, leading management to forecast full-year profits before tax would come in towards the upper end of its previous guidance range.
One Media iP acquires income for Christian hit single 'God's Not Dead'
Digital media content provider One Media iP Group has acquired the publishing and writer’s share of income of the single ‘God’s Not Dead’, written by American contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Daniel Bashta, for total consideration of $0. 73m.