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Quarter of UK firms will struggle under Covid wage scheme changes - IoD
A quarter of businesses using the UK government's coronavirus Job Retention Scheme said they would struggle to contribute to furloughed workers’ salaries from August, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD).
Europe close: Cyclicals lead as stockmarket investors look past geopolitical tensions
Stocks continued their advance on the back of the European Commission's proposal for a "revamped" €1. 85trn long-term budget, including a €750bn reconstruction fund, and optimism around plans to gradually reopen economies across the Continent.
Wednesday preview: US jobs data and Daily Mail in the spotlight
The focus on Thursday will be on a batch of high-frequency economic indicators due out on both sides of the Atlantic, with investors keen for any signals that a trough in activity is now past and to assess the speed of the still exceptionally fraught recovery.
Coronavirus crisis pushes more than half of US parents into debt
Around 56% of US parents have had to go into debt in these past few months in order to cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis, a survey found.
HBO plans cheaper streaming services for 2021
AT&T’s Warner Media plans to release an ad-supported version of the HBO Max streaming service in 2021.
Director dealings: Croda International CEO offloads shares
Croda International said on Wednesday that chief executive Steve Foots had disposed of 27,243 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100-listed speciality chemicals company.
London close: Stocks finish higher amid optimism around lockdown easing
London stocks had pared back some earlier gains by the close on Wednesday, but still finished positive as optimism over lockdown easing offset concerns about growing tensions in Hong Kong and souring relations between the US and China.
HSS Hire revenue drops as Covid-19 hits business
HSS Hire said revenue was currently 40% less than normal in the second quarter as the Covid-19 crisis hit its business.
Broker tips: Pearson, Marston's, Unite
Education publisher Pearson was under the cosh on Wednesday after Berenberg downgraded its stance on the stock to ‘sell’ from ‘hold’, cutting its estimates to reflect the risk of severe disruption to college enrolments in 2020 and less favourable FX rates.
Savannah enters into service agreement with EIT InnoEnergy
Savannah Resources has entered into an added value services agreement with EIT InnoEnergy, it announced on Wednesday, as part of the ‘business investment platform’ launched in September to accelerate the development of a European battery industry.
ECSC launches new cloud product as it weathers Covid slowdown
Cybersecurity services provider ECSC Group announced the launch of its new ‘Nebula Cloud’ breach detection service on Wednesday.
AorTech shares up on latest US patent approval
Medical device company AorTech International announced on Wednesday that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has said that its application 15/995,050 would issue as US patent 10,676,560, entitled ‘biostable polyurethanes’, on 9 June.
FTSE 250 movers: TUI travels higher again; Marston's fizzes lower
London’s FTSE 250 was up 0. 7% at 17,047. 00 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Pearson slumps on Berenberg downgrade
Education publisher Pearson was under the cosh on Wednesday after Berenberg downgraded its stance on the stock to ‘sell’ from ‘hold’, cutting its estimates to reflect the risk of severe disruption to college enrolments in 2020 and less favourable FX rates.
FTSE 100 movers: Travel stocks rally; Pearson hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 7% at 6,112. 18 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Tesla cuts prices by as much as 6% in North America
Tesla announced a cut of up to 6% in the price of its vehicles in North America with the aim of boosting demand.
US open: Mixed start to trading as trade fears somewhat dampen vaccine optimism
US stocks opened mixed on Wednesday as optimism regarding the reopening of the economy and a potential Covid-19 vaccine offset fears around a heightening of tensions between the world's two largest economies.
Wedneday broker round-up
Hurricane energy: Canaccord downgrades to speculative buy with a target price of 16p.
Europe midday: Stocks gain after Brussels ramps up stimulus
Auto manufacturers and lenders' shares were higher in early afternoon trading after Brussels unveiled its proposal for "revamped long-term EU budget" worth €1. 85trn.
Amigo announces potential takeover bid but says Richmond not engaging
Amigo Holdings announced on Wednesday a potential takeover offer of 20. 9p a share but said it has been unable to "engage constructively" with controlling shareholder Richmond Group about the offer.