Latest News
London close: Stocks dip despite more upbeat data around the globe
London stocks were a touch weaker on Thursday, with better-than-expected retail sales figures failing to provide a boost as traders were in holiday mode ahead of the long Easter weekend.
Director dealings: Schroders CFO offloads shares
Schroders chief financial officer Richard Keers disposed of 24,181 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100-listed global investment manager on Thursday.
Europe close: Stocks rise on positive data in Germany and France, Italian shares lag behind
Stocks on the Continent continued pushing forward going into the Easter break, as survey readings for France and Germany printed ahead of economists' forecasts, although data for the euro area as a whole were termed "disappointing" by some economists.
Jadestone Energy revenue soars on production increase
Jadestone Energy on Thursday reported an annual loss, though its revenues more than doubled following an increase in production and on the back of higher oil prices.
FTSE 250 movers: Petrofac plunges, Moneysupermarket marches forth
London's FTSE 250 index was down 0. 26% at 19,806. 40 in afternoon trade on Thursday, with Petrofac dragging the index downwards.
Debenhams CEO Sergio Bucher steps down
Debenhams said on Thursday that chief executive officer Sergio Bucher has decided to leave the company following its refinancing.
Broker tips: Countryside Properties, JD Sports
JPMorgan Cazenove upped its stance on Countryside Properties to 'neutral' from 'underweight' on Thursday following the stock's year-to-date underperformance and a reassuring update on the earnings outlook a day earlier.
Sector movers: Oil services slide, personal goods rise
On the last day of trading before the long Easter weekend, investors hunting for golden eggs found two in the personal goods sector, while the oil services sector was stunk out by one rotten egg.
Credit Suisse ups target price on JD Sports
Analysts at Credit Suisse upped their target price on retailer JD Sports from 500p to 680p on Thursday, noting that profit contributions from the recently acquired US sneaker chain Finish Line looked set to triple over the next half a decade.
Canada's Canopy Growth to buy Acreage for $3.4bn
Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth has agreed to buy US-based Acreage for $3. 4bn when the production and sale of cannabis becomes legal in the US.
Petrofac tumbles after Iraq walks away from contract talks
Petrofac shares tumbled on Thursday on the back of reports that the Iraqi oil ministry had ended negotiations over the Ratawi gas hub.
US open: Mixed start to trading, slate of IPOs in focus
Wall Street trading began on a mixed note with investors in a slate of flotations hoping for a 'good Thursday' ahead of the Easter break even as more earnings releases rolled in.
FTSE 100 movers: Unilever rallies on results; BAE goes ex-div
London's FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% at 7,458. 27 in afternoon trade on Thursday as holiday mode kicked in ahead of the long Easter break.
Philly Fed index slips in April, even as new orders jump back
Factory activity in the US mid-Atlantic region slowed in April, according to the results of one of the most closely-followed surveys covering the sector.
88 Energy progresses with farm-out discussions
Oil and gas outfit 88 Energy continued its conventional farm-out campaign for its Icewine project during the first quarter of the year, with the deadline for bids extended to 31 January due to demand from multiple parties.
'Robust' increase in March US retail sales
The American consumer recovered the spring in his step last month, with retail sales rising at their fastest clip since September 2017 as they splashed out on cars and at gasoline stations in particular.
'Shake up' but don't break up Big Four auditors, says CMA
The 'big four' auditing firms should be shaken up but not necessarily broken up to improve competition, with new regulatory powers introduced to improve accountability, UK competition authorities have recommended.
US initial jobless claims drop to near 50-year low
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
Asia report: US-China trade deal news fails to inspire markets
Asian markets were mixed on Thursday as following a subdued session on Wall Street, with investors largely ignoring signals that the US and China may be drawing close to a trade agreement.