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Europe close: Stocks weak amid negative trade headlines
European stocks were lower on Thursday as reports suggested Beijing and Washington remain a long way from agreeing a full trade deal.
Hong Kong shoved into recession by protest chaos
Hong Kong's economy has fallen into recession amid US-China trade uncertainty and months of protests that have resulted in shop closures, public transport interference and a drop in tourism.
Friday preview: US October non-farm payrolls in the spotlight
The focus at the end of the week will be firmly on the monthly US payrolls report for October, with investors keen for additional information regarding how well hiring is holding up in the States.
UK car production falls by 3.8% amid weak demand, says SMMT
UK car production dropped by 3. 8% in September due to lower demand both at home and abroad, according to data released on Thursday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Director dealings: Grafton Group CFO and his wife buy in
Grafton Group finance chief David Arnold and his spouse bought shares in the wholesaler of building supplies and materials on the previous Wednesday.
Broker tips: IAG, Royal Dutch Shell, BP
Liberum reiterated its 'buy' recommendation for shares of IAG following the carrier's latest quarterly numbers, arguing that the improvement in the company's financial performance over the past decade was structural - not cyclical - and that the rating on its shares should match that of low cost carriers.
Credit Suisse cuts BP target, but backs deleveraging plans
As large as it might seem, BP is in fact "a smaller and more nimble version of its former self" analysts at Credit Suisse said, even as they reiterated their 'neutral' recommendation for the shares and cut their target price.
Liberum says IAG's rating should match those of low cost carriers
Liberum reiterated its 'buy' recommendation for shares of IAG following the carrier's latest quarterly numbers, arguing that the improvement in the company's financial performance over the past decade was structural - not cyclical - and that the rating on its shares should match that of low cost carriers.
London close: Spooked investors see Halloween session finish red
London stocks remained in the red at the close on Thursday, dragged lower by a stronger pound, with fresh uncertainty over a potential Sino-US trade deal and disappointing results from the likes of Shell and Lloyds spooking investors.
British expats must register to vote immediately, says deVere CEO
The boss of a major independent financial advisory organisation has urged British expats to register to vote in the upcoming general election as soon as possible.
Biome reports bumper quarter for bioplastics division
Bioplastics and radio frequency technology company Biome Technologies updated the market on its trading for the nine months ended 30 September on Thursday, reporting that revenues in the bioplastics division in the third quarter were £0. 9m.
US open: Stocks start the session lower amid negative US-China trade headlines
Wall Street's main market gauges were trading modestly lower on Thursday on the back of reports calling into question the chances of a long-term US-China trade deal being signed.
Big Sofa Technologies signs up large food and beverage client
Video analytics provider Big Sofa Technologies has been selected as ‘Global Systems Partner’ to one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, it announced on Thursday.
Proteome Sciences shares rocket after strong third quarter
Proteome Sciences announced on Thursday that its services platform had continued to strengthen through the third quarter, during which a record number of 43 quotes for new business were issued.
Lekoil pays fee to extend licence on OPL 310 block
Oil and gas exploration and development company Lekoil has paid the $7. 5m license extension fee for OPL 310 as mandated by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Ministry of Petroleum Resources, it announced on Thursday, as it had first outlined on 6 September.
FTSE 250 movers: Crest Nicholson falls, Future flies
London's second-tier was 0. 27% lower at 20,059. 94 in afternoon trade on Thursday, with Crest Nicholson leading the index downward.
FTSE 100 movers: Shell down after Q3 results; Fresnillo shines
London's FTSE 100 was down 1% at 7,254. 50 in afternoon trade on Thursday, weighed down by a stronger pound, renewed trade concerns and disappointing results from Shell.
Carpetright shareholder Meditor mulling 5p a share bid
Carpetright shares tanked on Thursday after the struggling floor covering retailer said it is in talks with biggest shareholder Meditor about a possible takeover offer at a heavy discount.
Crest Nicholson tumbles on profit warning
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson was under the cosh on Thursday as it warned over full-year profits, pointing to a "volatile" sales environment in some of its regional businesses amid Brexit uncertainty.
Foxtons revenue drops as London sales market deteriorates
Revenue at estate agent Foxtons fell in the third quarter as the tenant fee band and a deteriorating residential sales market in London took their toll.