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Broker tips: Spirent, Diageo, GlaxoSmithKline
Analysts at Barclays Research downgraded their view on shares of Spirent from 'equalweight' to 'underweight', telling clients that the stock's valuation was "out of sync" with testing peers.
Europe close: Stocks boosted by US data, trade news
A string of better-than-expected US economic data sent stocks across almost the entire Continent higher despite some analysts' qualms regarding the US-China trade deal signed the night before and ongoing geopolitical worries.
London close: Stocks close lower on disappointing corporate news
London’s benchmark remained in the red at the close on Thursday, following disappointing updates from the likes of Pearson and Whitbread, as investors continued to mull over the ‘phase one’ trade deal between the US and China.
Friday preview: China data, Experian in focus
Overseas, the focus at the end of the week will be on a raft of Chinese activity indicators for the month of December that are scheduled for release at 1000 GMT, including readings for monthly retail sales, industrial production and fixed asset investment.
Top multinationals urge EU to stop patent trolls
Top multinationals such as BMW, Microsoft and Apple called on the European Union to prevent patent trolls that buy patents to make a profit through licences or lawsuits.
Jefferies lowers Diageo to 'hold' following banner year
Analysts at Jefferies downgraded drinks maker Diageo from 'buy' to 'hold' on Thursday following "three very strong years of change" for the group.
Asda begins trials for 'sustainability' store with refill points
Asda is partnering with well known UK food brands to create a “sustainability” store with refill points and recycling of plastic that aims to cut down on packaging.
Barclays downgrades Spirent on valuation after stellar run in 2019
Analysts at Barclays Research downgraded their view on shares of Spirent from 'equalweight' to 'underweight', telling clients that the stock's valuation was "out of sync" with testing peers.
Europe midday: Stocks looking for direction after US-China trade deal
Stocks on the Continent were still treading water at the midpoint of the session as traders digested the implications of the US-China trade deal signed the night before and tried to anticipate what the next catalyst for markets might be.
Director dealings: NMC Health director ups stake
NMC Health revealed on Thursday that non-executive director that Patrick James Meade had purchased 3,640 ordinary shares in the private healthcare operator.
Iofina updates market on 'exceptional' year
Iodine and specialty chemicals company Iofina updated the market on what it called an “exceptional year” on Thursday, in which it produced a record volume of crystalline iodine and continued to execute on its commitment to growth and increased profitability.
CloudCall confident after bumper fourth quarter
Communications and contact centre software provider CloudCall updated the market on its trading for the year ended 31 December on Thursday, confirming that revenues, cash and losses before tax were all expected to be “broadly in line” with market expectations.
Microsaic shares rise as board reports solid end to year
Point-of-need mass spectrometry developer Microsaic Systems confirmed on Thursday that revenues for the year ended 31 December had “significantly exceeded” 2018, with increasing momentum is being achieved in key areas of its strategy.
FTSE 250 movers: Wood Group gushes higher; Spirent dented by downgrade
London’s FTSE 250 was down 0. 1% at 21,689. 82 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US open: Dow surges past 29,200 as trade deal boosts sentiment
Wall Street stocks recorded some early gains on Thursday after the US and China signed their "phase one" trade agreement during the previous session.
Philly Fed index jumps past forecasts in January
A key lead indicator for the US manufacturing sector got off to a flying start in 2019, although the details of the survey were perhaps not quite as strong as they appeared to be at first glance.
Barclays downgrades GlaxoSmithKline to 'underweight'
Barclays downgraded its stance on GlaxoSmithKline shares to ‘underweight’ from ‘equalweight’ on Thursday, as it said 2020 looks set to be a much tougher investment year of little growth.
Morgan Stanley tops Goldmans in market value thanks to fixed income trading
Shares of Morgan Stanley hit their best levels since late 2007 and overtook those of Goldman Sachs on the back of a fourth quarter surge in sales from fixed income trading.
FTSE 100 movers: AB Foods rallies on update; Pearson slumps
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 5% at 7,606. 25 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
ProPhotonix sees orders increase in solid H2
LED designer and manufacturer Prophotonix told investors on Thursday that trading conditions improved during the second half of 2019, leading to an increase in orders.