Latest News
Berenberg reiterates 'buy' rating on Hastings, lowers target price slightly
Analysts at Berenberg slightly lowered their target price on insurance group Hastings 's shares from 228p to 221p on Friday, noting that they expected the pricing cycle to turn and leave the company "well-positioned to benefit".
White House holding off on decision to allow restart of sales to Huawei
The White House was holding off on a decision on whether or not to grant licenses to some US firms to restart sales of equipment to Chinese telecommunications equipment maker Huawei following Beijing's decision to halt purchases of American agricultural products.
New contracts help WPP deliver better-than-expected Q2
Advertising giant WPP said reported a better-than expected performance in the second quarter as it won new business and expanded deals from major clients such as eBay and Instagram.
US final demand prices miss forecasts in July
Wholesale inflation in the US was little changed in July at the headline level, but underneath the surface price pressures were falling back.
Friday broker round-up
Vivo Energy: Credit Suisse upgrades to outperform with a target price of 145p.
Europe midday: Political uncertainty hits stocks
Stocks across the Continent are falling back following news that the Italian Senate might schedule a no-confidence vote against the current government for as soon as Monday, threatening to reignite tensions around the euro area's fourth largest economy.
US pre-open: Futures have stocks opening lower as Wall Street tracks losses in Europe
Futures were pointing to a modest downdraft for stocks on Wall Street at the start of trading on Friday, tracking the losses seen in Europe as political woes in Italy weighed on investor sentiment across the continent.
Crossword Cybersecurity annual results to meet market views
Cyber security technology commercialisation group Crossword Cybersecurity said on Friday that full-year results will be in line with market expectations.
Bayer reportedly proposes $8.0bn Roundup settlement
Bayer has reportedly proposed to pay up to $8. 0bn in a settlement for 18,000 US lawsuits related to the Roundup weedkiller which allegedly provokes cancer.
London midday: Stocks stay down as sterling drops on weak UK GDP
London stocks were still a little weaker by midday on Friday, with the pound under pressure as it emerged that the UK economy contracted in the second quarter for the first time since 2012.
Prudential's Asia business to buy subsidiary of Thailand's Thanachart Bank
Prudential's Asian asset management business, Eastpring Investments, has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding to buy a controlling stake in Thailand's Thanachart Fund Management Co.
Equals Group acquires Hermex International from FXPro
E-banking firm Equals acquired international payments business Hermex International for a total consideration of £2. 0m on Friday.
Circle Property acquires Maidenhead office park
Real estate investor Circle Property acquired a Maidenhead office park for £14. 6m on Friday.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Japan beats GDP growth forecasts
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Friday, as investors digested surprisingly good data from Japan and fresh inflation information from China, while keeping an eye on developments in the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing.
Barclays ups NMC Health price target ahead of H1 results
Barclays lifted its price target on shares of UAE-based healthcare operator NMC Health to 4,275p from 4,100p on Friday, saying first-half results later in the month should be a positive catalyst, particularly after recent share price weakness.
UK economy shrinks 0.2% in Q2, recession fears sparked
The UK economy unexpectedly contracted in the second quarter, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Friday, sparking fears of a recession.
Versarien proceeding discussions over Beijing partnership
Advanced materials engineering company Versarien updated the market on its plans for expansion into China on Friday.
Gordon Dadds replacing Ince team in Monaco to improve performance
Gordon Dadds announced the completion of its review of future operations in Monaco on Friday, following its December acquisition of the former Ince & Co LLP, which included its London, Beijing and Shanghai offices.
Rambler Metals sees record throughput in second quarter
Copper and gold producer, explorer and developer Rambler Metals and Mining announced on Friday that, for the quarter ended 30 June, it achieved record throughput by processing 112,679 tonnes of ore from the Ming Mine through the Nugget Pond copper and gold milling facility.
Providence Resources gets seabed survey permission for Barryroe
Ireland-based oil and gas company Providence Resources updated the market on operations at Standard Exploration Licence 1/11, which contains the Barryroe oil accumulation.