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Asia report: Stocks fall as China axes growth targets
Markets in Asia fell across the board on Friday, as investors watched tensions between the US and China continue to simmer, and as Beijing axed its growth targets amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Moss Bros to contest Brigadier's latest attempt to scrap takeover
Moss Bros said it would oppose Brigadier's attempt to scrap its £22. 6m bid for the clothing retailer after the UK's takeover regulator allowed Brigadier to appeal against its ruling.
Accesso raises £33m to strength balance sheet amid Covid disruption
AIM-listed technology solutions provider Accesso Technology said on Friday that it has raised £32. 9m in a placing and subscription to strengthen its balance sheet amid disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Synectics scores two new multi-year contracts
Security and surveillance firm Synectics has been awarded two new multi-year contracts with existing long-term customers.
UK public borrowing soars to record high
Public borrowing soared to an historic high in April, after the government brought in a raft of measures to support the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic, official data showed on Friday.
AJ Bell slides as Invesco sells off 7.6% stake
AJ Bell was under the cosh on Friday after fund manager Invesco sold a 7. 6% stake in the company.
OPG Power Ventures surges as average tariffs rise in 2020
Shares in power plant developer OPG Power Ventures surged on Friday morning after the group revealed average tariffs had risen 4. 8% year-on-year.
Future operating profits surge in 'exceptionally strong' first half
Media outfit Future saw operating profits surge in an "exceptionally strong" first half despite the Covid-19 pandemic impacting trading at the end of the period.
Great Western acquires 48 mineral claims from Nevada Select Royalties
Gold, silver and copper miner Great Western Mining has inked an option agreement to acquire 48 mineral claims in the US state of Nevada from Nevada Select Royalties.
On the Beach raises £67.3m to help weather Covid-19
On the Beach has raised around £67. 3m in a placing to help the package holiday company weather the coronavirus pandemic.
China announces national security law for Hong Kong
The Hong Kong stock market fell sharply after China said it would impose a national security law that threatens the "one country, two systems" arrangement between the city and Beijing.
China scraps economic growth target for first time since 1990
China will not set an economic growth target for this year due to uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Premier Li Keqiang announced on Friday.
AstraZeneca gets orphan drug designation for Enhertu
AstraZeneca, alongside its partner Daiichi Sankyo, has been granted orphan drug designation status for ‘Enhertu’ in the US, it announced on Friday, for the treatment of patients with gastric cancer, including gastroesophageal junction cancer.
Frasers could 'potentially' re-open stores in June
Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley said his Frasers Group stores could potentially re-open on June 1 in line with government proposals for a phased easing of coronavirus lockdown measures.
Retail sales plunge by a record 18.1% in April
The volume of retail sales plunged by a record 18. 1% in April as the shutdown of most stores during the Covid-19 crisis took full effect, official figures showed.
Hurricane Energy shuts down well, suspends production guidance
Shares of Hurricane Energy tumbled on Friday after the oil and gas company said it had shut one of its two production wells at the Lancaster Early Production System (Lancaster EPS) and suspended its production guidance.
London open: Stocks fall amid Hong Kong worries
London stocks fell in early trade on Friday, taking their cue from a weak Asian session on news that Beijing is planning to impose a new security law on Hong Kong.
Vodafone names Heineken boss as chairman
Vodafone has named Jean-Francois Van Boxmeer, chief executive of Heineken, as its next chairman, ending a search that has lasted more than a year.
Spectris April sales hit by Covid-19 lockdowns
April like-for-like sales at scientific instrument maker Spectris fell 21% as it felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Close Brothers' Q3 bad debt charge jumps to £86.7m
Close Brothers set aside £86. 7m for bad debts in its third quarter to reflect the effects of the Covid-19 crisis on the economy and the merchant bank's clients.