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US close: Records continue as Dow, S&P, Nasdaq continue surge
The records kept coming on Wall Street as equities soared to their fourth straight day of gains, shrugging off a raft of weaker-than-expected economic data.
Sector movers: Utility and home construction stocks pace gains
Broker commentary was the main driver behind the jump observed at the end of the week in utility and home construction stocks.
Intel faces lawsuits over Meltdown and Spectre bugs
Intel is facing at least three class-action lawsuits over software bugs revealed earlier in the same week.
Week ahead: Cabinet reshuffle, Chinese data in focus
The focus in the coming week will be on any Cabinet reshuffle by the Prime Minister.
Friday broker round-up
William Hill plc: Canaccord upgrades to buy with a target price of 350p.
Saudi Aramco IPO looks more likely as change in legal status paves the way for flotation
Saudi Aramco, the Dhahran-based petroleum and natural gas company which had recently been forced to deny plans that it was abandoning its $2tn flotation of 5% of the company, received a shot in the arm on Friday after a royal decree converted the firm into a joint stock company, allowing it to expand its shareholder base beyond the Saudi Arabian government.
London close: Footsie continues record run despite soft US jobs data
London stocks extended their recent record run on Friday, with the top-flight index hitting fresh highs as investors brushed off a slightly weaker than expected reading on US non-farm payrolls for December.
US open: Wall Street pushes higher despite slight miss on jobs report
Wall Street was making new inroads into record territory despite the release of a raft of weaker-than-expected economic data, although a top US rate-setter did hold out the possibility in a speech that tax cuts might unleash a sharp increase in investment.
US tax cuts may unleash a lot of investment, Fed's Bullard says
A top US central banker and one of the foremost 'doves' in policy-making circles in the States said the recently enacted tax cuts should not force the monetary authority to tighten policy more quickly.
Cabot Energy reports higher than expected production rates from 10-32 sidetrack well
AIM-quoted oil and gas company Cabot Energy provided an update on drilling and flow tests at its 10-32 sidetrack well in the Rainbow area in Canada on Friday after that start of its drill programme in December, which ran longer than expected.
Director deals: United Utilities chief cashes in shares
Steve Mogford, chief executive of FTSE 100-listed water company United Utilities, sold 217,500 ordinary shares in the firm at a price of 800. 72p each on Friday.
Boardriders acquires Billabong in $155m takeover bid
Iconic Australian surfwear brand Billabong was sold to rival Boardriders on Friday as part of an estimated $155m takeover bid aimed at turning around the Queensland-based group after turning a profit in just one of the last five years.
FTSE 100 movers: Utilities lead gains, Tesco and Morrison diverge ahead of updates
London's FTSE 100 was making modest gains by Friday afternoon, led by utilities and retailers.
Rhythm One tenders off for outstanding YuMe shares
Online advertising firm RhythmOne presented an exchange offer to YuMe shareholders on Thursday to purchase the outstanding shares of the digital video brand, pursuant to the companies' previously announced merger agreement.
UK MPs call for 25p 'latte levy' on takeaway coffee cups
UK MPs have demanded that a “latte levy” of 25p is charged on every takeaway coffee with the aim of recycling 100% of cups by 2023 or a total ban imposed.
Christmas high street sales fall for fifth year in a row - BDO
High street sales in December were lower than the previous year, with clothing and footwear suffering the most.
Fed will only need to hike rates twice in 2018, Philly Fed's Harker says
The US central bank will only need to hike rates twice in 2018 and the risk of persistently soft inflation needs to be closely monitored, a top US central bank official said.
ISM services index drops to 55.9 in December
Activity in the US services sector unexpectedly slowed in December, according to data released on Friday.
Gear4Music shares take hit despite strong sales increase
Shares in online musical instrument and equipment seller Gear4music fell sharply on Friday afternoon despite a 42% increase in sales to £34. 5m in the four months to end December, 2017.