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Europe close: Stocks snap higher after solid US jobs report
European stocks jumped on Friday following a much stronger-than-expected reading on the US jobs market and after China dialled back some of its tariffs on US goods, although German factory data missed expectations.
Week ahead: UK general election and US-China trade in focus
Financial markets' focus over the coming week will be squarely on the result of the general election on Thursday, with investors keen, above all, on avoiding another hung parliament.
London close: Shares jump on trade progress and 'astonishing' US jobs data
London stocks pared their weekly loss thanks to signs of progress in Sino-US trade relations and the release of data showing US unemployment back again at 50-year lows last month.
Broker tips: Provident Financial, Halma, Glencore, Berkeley Group
RBC Capital Markets initiated coverage of Provident Financial at 'sector perform' on Friday, with a 445p price target.
Director dealings: Billington Holdings director lowers stake
Billington Holdings revealed on Friday that Gutenga Investments, a company connected to non-executive director Alexander Ospelt, had offloaded 100,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed construction firm.
US non-farm payrolls soar by 266,00 in November
US non-farm payrolls jumped by 266,000 in November alongside an unexpected drop in the rate of unemployment back to a 50-year low.
US open: Stocks trade higher following solid jobs report
US stocks opened higher on Friday following the release of a key monthly jobs report that easily topped expectations on the Street.
FTSE 250 movers: Virgin Money climbs, Hill & Smith dips
London's FTSE 250 was 0. 71% higher at 20,853. 73 in afternoon trade on Friday, with Virgin Money UK leading the index upward.
Summit Therapeutics raising $50m, plans to delist from AIM
Antibiotic innovation company Summit Therapeutics announced a proposed fundraising of about $50m through a subscription and placing of new ordinary shares and warrants to existing investors on Friday, which would be subject to certain shareholder approvals being obtained and certain customary closing conditions being satisfied.
US consumer sentiment improves in December
Consumer sentiment in the US improved in December, according to a preliminary reading from the University of Michigan.
Tremor International renews partnership with Alphonso
Video advertising technology company Tremor International has renewed its partnership with television data and measurement provider Alphonso, it announced on Friday, to expand its exclusive automatic content recognition solution that enabled brands to reach television audiences more precisely and effectively across video devices.
Secure Property transfers Bulgaria assets to Arcona Property Fund
South eastern Europe-focussed property company Secure Property Development & Investment (SPDI) announced the transfer of all of its Bulgaria ‘Boyana’ assets to Arcona Property Fund on Friday, in exchange for the issue to SPDI of 315,591 new shares in Arcona and 77,201 warrants over shares in Arcona.
FTSE 100 movers: DS Smith bounces back; Phoenix Group retreats
London’s FTSE 100 was up 1. 2% to 7,222. 87 in afternoon trade on Friday, boosted by signs of progress in Sino-US trade relations and a better-than-expected US non-farm payrolls report.
St James House warns on working capital as it focuses on cards business
St James House updated the market on its trading and recent developments on Friday, reporting that its payments division has seen orders for prepaid cards exceed 13,000 in November, with 700 delivered and activated as at the end of the month.
Formation puts £10m raised in May into Ireland development sites
Formation Group announced on Friday that it is investing the £10m it raised in May, through its subsidiary Market Equities, into a number of property development sites in Ireland.
Duke Royalty increases dividend again after solid first half
Alternative capital solutions provider Duke Royalty reported a 119% improvement in revenue in its interim results on Friday, to £5. 9m.
RBC Capital starts Provident Financial at 'sector perform'
RBC Capital Markets initiated coverage of Provident Financial at ‘sector perform’ on Friday, with a 445p price target.
Walcom Group warns shareholders on its ongoing viability
Walcom Group updated the market on its working capital position on Friday, saying that under the terms of an existing bank facility, and as it had anticipated, a short-term bank loan of CNY 1m (£0. 11m) is due for repayment by the company in the second week of December.
James Halstead maintains momentum despite tough UK conditions
Commercial flooring company James Halstead continued its “long record” of increased dividend payments on Friday, with its proposed final dividend of 10p being paid.