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Friday preview: December US non-farm payrolls in focus
The market spotlight at the end of the week will fall squarely on the US non-farm payrolls report for December.
Fed's Clarida sounds upbeat note on economic outlook
The US central bank's second-highest ranking official sounded an upbeat note on the outlook for the US economy on Thursday while signaling that the stance of monetary policy remained "appropriate".
UBS drops Computacenter to 'sell' following recent re-rating
Analysts at UBS downgraded their rating on Computacenter from 'neutral' to 'sell' on Thursday, stating the group's valuation following its recent re-rating was "challenging".
US GDP growth could exceed 2.5%, Chicago Fed's Evans says
The head of the US central bank of Chicago sounded a confident note on the prospects for the US economy.
Europe close: Stocks extend gains, biotech to the fore
Stocks across the Continent edged higher on Thursday, save for the Dax, which ran up to a record high thanks to better-than-expected industrial production data out of the euro area's largest economy and after news that the US and China were set to sign their trade deal on 15 January.
London close: Benchmark finishes higher as geopolitical tensions ease
London stocks mainly remained positive by the close on Thursday, amid easing geopolitical tensions, with all eyes on the retail sector after updates from the likes of Marks & Spencer and Tesco.
Block Commodities makes two appointments to scientific advisory team
Block Commodities announced the appointments of professors Justin Stebbing and Andrew Garner to its scientific advisory team on Thursday.
Liberty Steel set to cut over 350 jobs in Yorkshire and Wales
Liberty Steel said that around 350 jobs would be cut in Yorkshire and Wales this year due to “challenging” conditions in the market.
Broker tips: Breedon, John Wood Group, Computacenter
Analysts at Berenberg upped their target price on British construction firm Breedon on Thursday following the group's conditional agreement to acquire part of CEMEX UK's assets.
Director dealings: Ospelt's Gutenga Investments lowers stake in Billington
Billington Holdings revealed on Friday that Gutenga Investments, a company connected to non-executive director Alexander Ospelt, had offloaded 75,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed construction firm.
Columbus completes drilling and casing of Saffron well in Trinidad
Trinidad and Suriname-focussed oil and gas producer Columbus Energy Resources updated the market on its Saffron well, onshore Trinidad on Thursday.
Redx Pharma nominates next drug development candidate
Drug discovery and development company Redx Pharma announced the nomination of RXC007 as its next drug development candidate for the treatment of fibrosis on Thursday.
FTSE 250 movers: Galliford Try rallies on update; M&S slumps
London’s FTSE 250 was up 0. 1% at 21,665. 16 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
London midday: Stocks maintain gains amid retailer update bonanza
London stocks were still in the green by midday on Thursday amid easing geopolitical tensions, with all eyes on the retail sector after updates from the likes of Marks & Spencer and Tesco.
FTSE 100 movers: NMC Health recovers; Ocado hit by M&S update
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 4% at 7,608. 23 in afternoon trade on Thursday amid easing tensions between the US and Iran.
US open: Dow eyes record high as Middle East tensions fade
US stocks opened higher on Thursday as the US seemingly took steps to avoid further conflict in the Middle East, helping the Dow in its chase to record yet another all-time high.
Wood Group share price drop 'overdone', says Morgan Stanley
Analysts at Morgan Stanley labeled the sharp drop in shares of John Wood Group in the wake of the Competition and Markets Authority's launch of an inquiry into the sale of its nuclear assets "overdone".
Barnier says time frame for Brexit trade talks is challenging
Chief European Union negotiator for Brexit Michel Barnier said on Thursday that it was highly unlikely that a comprehensive agreement on post-Brexit trade with the UK will be achieved in the next 11 months.
Berenberg raises target on Breedon following CEMEX acquistion
Analysts at Berenberg upped their target price on British construction firm Breedon on Thursday following the group's conditional agreement to acquire part of CEMEX UK's assets.
Europe midday: German stocks hit record high led by biotech and airlines
Stocks were holding higher come midday with the Dax at record highs thanks to better-than-expected industrial production data out of Germany and news that the preliminary trade deal between Beijing and Washington was set to be signed in the coming days.