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B.P. Marsh upbeat on performance at year-end
Specialist early-stage financial services investor B. P. Marsh updated the market on its trading for the year ended 31 January on Wednesday, highlighting the completion of two new investments in Agri Services Company in Sydney and Lilley Plummer Risks in London.
Wednesday broker round-up
Antofagasta: Deutsche Bank upgrades to hold with a target price of 850p.
US hiring surges in January, ADP says
A closely-followed tally of private sector job growth grew far more quickly than anticipated last month.
FireAngel granted European patent, announces board changes
Home safety products company FireAngel Safety Technology announced on Wednesday that its predictive algorithm management platform, ‘FireAngel Predict’, has been granted a patent by the European Patent Office.
Griffin Mining shares down on coronavirus closure at mine
Griffin Mining updated the market on its operations at the Caijiaying Mine in China on Wednesday, as it remained affected by the ongoing outbreak of novel coronavirus in the country.
Euro area retail sales fall by much more than expected in December
Retail sales volumes in the euro area fell far short of analysts' forecasts at the end of 2019, amid a big fall in Germany.
Card Factory boosted by upgrade to 'hold' at Peel Hunt
Card Factory got a boost on Wednesday as Peel Hunt upgraded its stance on shares of the greeting card retailer to ‘hold’ from ‘sell’.
Organic food and drink sales rise by 4.5% in 2019 to £2.45bn
Organic food and drink sales rose by 4. 5% in 2019 setting a new record of £2. 45bn, fuelled by strong growth online and in home delivery.
CentralNic nearly doubles FY revenues and earnings
Domain name provider CentralNic said on Wednesday that both revenues and earnings had surged 95% in the twelve months ended 31 December 2019.
US pre-open: Futures point to third straight day of gains
US futures had stocks opening higher for a third straight session on Wednesday as investors mulled the latest headlines related to the coronavirus outbreak.
London midday: Stocks up amid coronavirus breakthrough hopes
London stocks were in the green but off earlier highs by midday on Wednesday, as traders weighed up reports of a breakthrough in the fight against coronavirus against insistence from the World Health Organisation that there is no known treatment for the deadly outbreak.
Euro area growth may be set for upturn, January PMIs show
The Eurozone economy may have reached a turning point amid a stabilisation in factory sector conditions, the results of two key surveys showed, although the pace of expansion was expected to remain restrained.
Touchstar revenues and profits boosted by increased shipments
Mobile computing solutions provider Touchstar said on Wednesday that it had completed a higher level of shipments to customers during 2019 than anticipated, boosting its revenues and profits.
Halma buys US gas leak detection company Sensit
Safety, health and environmental technology group Halma has acquired US gas leak detection company Sensit Technologies for $51. 5m (£39. 6m) in cash.
Asia report: Markets finish higher as China stimulates markets
Markets in Asia finished higher on Wednesday, as investors focussed on fresh stimulus in China implemented on the back of the ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus strain in the region.
Lookers appoints new CEO; sees FY trade in line
British car dealer Lookers on Wednesday said it had appointed chief financial officer Mark Raban as chief executive as it reiterated full year guidance.
UK new car registrations plunge in January
Britain's new car market declined 7. 3% in January, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on Wednesday.
Markets rally on reports of coronavirus drug breakthrough
Equity markets were firmly in the green by mid-morning on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses following reports of a breakthrough in the treatment of coronavirus, with oil prices joining in the rally.
Barratt Developments extends capital return programme as H1 profits rise
Barratt Developments announced a further extension to its capital return programme on Wednesday as it reported a rise in first-half profit and revenue amid its highest home completions in 12 years.
Europe open: Reports of progress in coronavirus treatments boost share prices
Stocks across the Continent have recovered from an early stumble on the back of reports that researchers were making progress on developing various potential treatments for the new China coronavirus.