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US close: Stocks record further losses as CDC confirms another case of coronavirus
Wall Street stocks closed lower on Friday after the World Health Organization branded the Wuhan coronavirus an "emergency in China" and the US saw its second reported case of the virus.
Commodities: Crude oil futures continue to spill lower
Energy futures continued to cede ground despite multiple analysts' forecasts for a tightening supply balance later in the year as concerns of the impact that the new coronavirus in China might have on that economy weighed on near-term forecasts and sentiment.
FX round-up: Wuhan virus and rate cut speculation weigh on sterling
Sterling was trading on the back foot at the end of the week amid a risk-off environment as investors took stock of the new China coronavirus and the impact that it might have on that economy, and positioned themselves ahead of the central bank meetings in the UK and US that were scheduled for over the week ahead.
London close: Stocks jump on positive macro data and WHO decision
London stocks raced higher on Friday, boosted by better-than-expected services and manufacturing data, and as fears over the spread of a new coronavirus in China receded.
Europe close: Stocks finish higher but with utilities and technology pacing gains
Stocks remained higher at the end of the week after the world's health watchdog chose not to label the new Chinese coronavirus a global health emergency and thanks to a much better than expected reading on euro area manufacturing.
Week ahead: Bank of England (and Fed), Shell in focus
Central banks will be front and centre on investors' minds over the coming week, with the Bank of England possibly set to cut interest rates and the US Federal Reserve having the power to stop the current sharp gains in the stockmarket in its tracks, according to analysts.
Intel surges after topping Q4 estimates
Chipmaker Intel posted strong fourth-quarter earnings overnight that were boosted by an upswing in personal-computer shipments and robust demand for chips to power data centres.
Director dealings: Volution CEO lowers stake
Volution Group revealed on Friday that chief executive Ronnie George and his wife Lynsey had disposed of a combined total of 3. 05m ordinary shares in the London-listed manufacturer of ventilation products.
Broker tips: Polymetal, Rathbone Brothers, Schroders, Standard Life Aberdeen
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on shares in precious metals mining outfit Polymetal shares from 1,480p to 1,420p on Friday but noted that the group remained one of its "favoured names" in the gold space, adding that it saw potential for a special dividend.
RBC upgrades Rathbone Brothers to 'outperform'
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets upgraded wealth management firm Rathbone Brothers from 'sector perform' to 'outperform' on Friday, stating that the group's shares now presented a value opportunity following the General Election back in December.
Hawkin's Bazaar collapses putting 200 jobs at risk
Toy chain Hawkin’s Bazaar collapsed into administration on Friday putting almost 200 jobs at risk with most of its stores readying for closure.
Lagarde and Mnuchin clash on energy transition strategies
ECB President Christine Lagarde and US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have clashed at the World Economic Forum in Davos over how the world should transition to cleaner energies.
American Express guides higher for 2020, pushing shares to record high
Shares in financial services giant American Express notched up a fresh record high as the company beat estimates on the Street for both its fourth quarter revenue and earnings, and guided higher on both its top and bottome lines.
FTSE 250 movers: Virgin Money rises; Marston's fizzes lower
London’s FTSE 250 was up 1% at 21,763. 32 in afternoon trade on Friday.
FTSE 100 movers: Auto Trader rallies on broker note; NMC Health slumps again
London’s FTSE 100 was up 1. 1% at 7,592. 90 in afternoon trade on Friday.
RBG Holdings sees FY results 'significantly ahead' of prior year
Professional services group RBG Holdings said on Friday that its full-year results would meet market expectations and come in "significantly ahead" of 2018.
Berenberg lowers target on Polymetal, cites stronger rouble
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on shares in precious metals mining outfit Polymetal shares from 1,480p to 1,420p on Friday but noted that the group remained one of its "favoured names" in the gold space, adding that it saw potential for a special dividend.
US open: Stocks record small gains as earnings overshadow coronavirus fears
Wall Street stocks recorded some small gains at the bell on Friday despite the World Health Organization branding the Wuhan coronavirus an "emergency in China" the day before.
Citi cautious on UK asset managers, downgrades Schroders and Standard Life
Analysts at Citi sounded a cautious note on traditional European asset managers in general and UK ones in particular.
BofA changes rate call on BoE after PMIs, sees cut on 30 January
Economists at Bank of America changed their call for the Bank of England's next rate-setting meeting on 30 January, telling clients to expect a cut following the latest surveys on conditions within the UK's manufacturing and services sectors.