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Week ahead: UK macro calendar jam-packed; Burberry, Vodafone results eyed
The UK macro calendar is jam-packed next week, with GDP, manufacturing, jobs data, inflation and retail sales figures all slated for release.
Spirent maintains guidance as 5G drives growth
Test, measurement, analytics and assurance technology company Spirent Communications updated the market on its trading for the third quarter on Friday, reporting that it saw continued business growth, and remained confident that it would show progress in 2019.
Charles Taylor agrees higher takeover offer from Lovell Minnick
Charles Taylor has agreed an increased takeover offer from US private equity firm Lovell Minnick Partners.
China, US plan to phase out tariffs 'faces opposition' in White House
The plan between the US and China to phase out tariffs at different stages of their trade deal is facing resistance from advisers in the White House, Reuters reported on Friday.
Symphony Environmental chairman stands down
Non-plastic products specialist Symphony Environmental said on Friday that Nirj Deva had resigned from his position as chairman with immediate effect.
TruFin narrows losses on improved revenues
Lending business TruFin narrowed losses during the third quarter thanks to a marked increase in revenues.
AstraZeneca reports positive trials for kidney drug
AstraZeneca on Friday reported clinical trials of its roxadustat drug for patients with anaemia from chronic kidney disease had significantly increased red haemoglobin levels.
Europe open: Stocks in the red amid trade deal uncertainty
European stocks were lower on Friday morning as trade deal optimism was dampened by reports of infighting in Washington, while Chinese customs data beat expectations.
IAG lowers capacity growth and EPS forecasts
British Airways and Iberia owner International Consolidated Airlines Group on Friday cut its estimates for capacity growth over the next three years as a result of a weakening global economy, denting its earnings per share forecasts.
London open: Stocks fall amid conflicting China-US trade news
London stocks fell in early trade on Friday as optimism over a trade deal between the US and China faded, with British Airways parent IAG among the losers after a disappointing update.
Beazley premiums jump but windstorms drive high claims
Beazley on Friday reported an increase in gross premiums written but warned that the impact of recent natural disasters had led to a "difficult claims environment".
Morgan Advanced Materials remains on track as sales inch higher
Morgan Advanced Materials on Friday said it remained on course to meet full-year expectations after improvements to sales and margins in the year to date.
Phoenix Group CEO Clive Bannister to retire
Insurer Phoenix Group said on Friday that chief executive officer Clive Bannister will retire on 10 March 2020 after the company’s full-year results and be succeeded by former Aviva executive Andy Briggs.
Royal Mail takes court action to stop Xmas strike action
Royal Mail said it was taking legal action to stop a strike by workers over the crucial Christmas period, claiming “irregularities” in the ballot of union members.
London pre-open: Stocks set for losses amid China-US trade confusion
London stocks were set to fall at the open on Friday as investors continued to weigh up the potential for a China-US trade deal.
Royal Mail seeks injunction over strike, Morgan Advanced Materials on track for full year
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 18 points lower on Friday, having closed up 0. 13% at 7,406. 41 on Thursday.
Friday newspaper round-up: Mothercare, LGIM, StanChart,
Mothercare is launching a closing down sale with nearly all products “dramatically reduced” as it prepares to close all its 79 stores and its website in the UK. The baby and maternity retailer is to begin clearing stock with the sale on Friday after appointing administrators from the advisory firm PricewaterhouseCoopers on Tuesday, who are to close down its UK retail arm with the loss of more than 2,800 jobs within the next few months. Jobs at Mothercare’s warehouse and call centres – which are outsourced to other companies – are also at risk.
US close: Markets finish higher as trade optimism returns
US stocks finished higher on Thursday, as Beijing and Washington agreed to roll back tariffs on each other's goods as part of an effort to secure a phase-one trade deal.