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London close: Markets finish Friday with modest gains
London stocks sneaked into the green by the close on Friday, as investors digested news that public sector net borrowing in the UK rose sharply in June and continued to react to Fed developments stateside overnight.
Europe close: Stocks stay above the water to end week in the green
European shares were just above the waterline as they closed on Friday, with a boost from stronger sessions in the US and Asia and renewed hopes of more monetary easing from the US Federal Reserve managing to keep things chugging.
Broker tips: EasyJet, Beazley
Analysts at Berenberg upped their target price on low-cost carrier EasyJet from 1,120p to 1,150p on Friday, noting that momentum appeared to have improved earlier than they expected.
Friday broker round-up
Travis Perkins: RBC Capital Markets upgrades to outperform with a target price of 1,600p.
JKX Oil and Gas' results from Ukrainian well exceed expectations
JKX Oil and Gas reported that testing at IG142, a new well drilled in the Ignativske field in Ukraine, significantly exceeded expectations on Friday.
FTSE 250 movers: Acacia Gold shines, Funding Circle falters
London’s FTSE 250 was up 0. 35% at 19,604. 19 in afternoon trade on Friday, with Acacia Gold leading the index higher.
Sadiq Khan calls for overhaul of tenancy laws in London
Sadiq Khan is set to demand an overhaul of tenancy laws in a bid to control the capital's rental market as part of his 2020 re-election campaign.
BlackRock falls short of estimates as revenues slide
US asset manager BlackRock fell short of estimates on the Street in its last trading quarter as investment advisory and lending revenues dropped amid a rise in costs.
UK to leave Huawei out of telecoms review
The UK government is set to publish its results for the telecoms supply chain review, but will leave out its decision on Huawei’s future involvement in the 5G technology development.
Director dealings: Lekoil founder ups stake
Lekoil revealed on Friday that chief executive Olalekan Akinyanmi had acquired 915,950 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed crude oil producer.
RBC reiterates 'top pick' rating on Beazley
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets reiterated their 'top pick' rating on British insurance firm Beazley on Friday, but cut their target price from 700p to 675p, citing a short term negative impact on its earnings.
Beter Bed reaches financial agreements with banks and major shareholders
Beter Bed Holding announced on Friday that it had reached agreement with its banks and major shareholders to facilitate its exit of German mattress discounter Matratzen Concord.
Symphony Environmental raises £1.93m via subscription
Symphony Environmental Technologies announced an equity subscription for 15,456,900 new ordinary shares by Vincel Investment Holdings on Friday, at a price of 12. 5p each, making for gross proceeds of £1. 93m.
Science Group increases Frontier Smart stake to 43%
Science Group on Friday confirmed it had increased its stake in takeover target Frontier Smart Technologies to 43%.
US consumer sentiment picks up in July - Uni Michigan
Consumer sentiment in the US picked up a touch in July, according to a preliminary reading from the University of Michigan.
PepsiCo to buy South Africa's Pioneer Foods for $1.7bn
PepsiCo has agreed to buy South Africa’s Pioneer Foods Group for $1. 7bn.
US open: Stocks go green as focus switches back to the Fed
US stocks opened higher on Friday after two top Federal Reserve officials hinted that more aggressive policy easing from the central bank was on the horizon.
Hammond refuses to rule out backing no-confidence vote over Brexit
UK Finance Minister Philip Hammond effectively declared war on Boris Johnson on Friday, when he refused to rule out supporting a no-confidence motion if the Tory leadership favourite became prime minister.
CMA raises competition concerns around new East Midlands franchise
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating the award of the East Midlands rail franchise to Abellio, it announced on Friday, as part of its remit to look into the award of rail franchises as part of its mergers work.