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US pre-open: Futures in the green as Yellen backs $1.9trn stimulus package
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Friday after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated a large Covid-19 relief package would be needed for the US was to stage a full economic recovery.
London midday: Stocks steady as investors weigh up PMIs, retail sales
London stocks were steady by midday on Friday as investors weighed up disappointing retail sales data against more encouraging business activity figures.
Europe midday: Shares extend gains on improving eurozone sentiment
European shares extended gains at lunchtime on Friday as surveys showed sentiment in the Eurozone picked up as Covid-19 vaccines raised hopes about an economic revival.
Uber drivers are workers, Supreme Court rules
Uber's drivers are workers and not self-employed, the UK Supreme Court ruled, opening the way for thousands of the ride-hailing company's drivers to receive the minimum wage and holiday pay.
UK factory output decline accelerates, CBI says
UK manufacturing output fell at a faster rate in February but production is suffering less than in earlier lockdowns, a CBI survey indicated.
Jangada Mines raises £1.25m via placing
Natural resources company Jangada Mines has raised £1. 25m via a placing of 13. 88m new ordinary shares at a price of 9. 0p each.
Asia report: Markets mixed as deflation continues in Japan
Markets in Asia finished in a mixed state on Friday, as investors digested fresh data out of Japan and Australia, while oil prices fell.
UK business activity stabilises in February
Business activity in the UK stabilised in February following a collapse at the start of the year, according to a flash reading released on Friday.
Trans-Siberian Gold reports scoping study results for Rodnikova
Russia-focussed Trans-Siberian Gold announced the results of an independent scoping study for its wholly-owned Rodnikova Project in Kamchatka, Far East Russia on Friday, reporting a potential life-of-mine of 14 years.
Eurozone business activity falls but sentiment picks up
Business activity in the eurozone fell for a fourth straight month in February but sentiment picked up as Covid-19 vaccines raised hopes about an economic revival.
Sterling breaches $1.40 amid vaccine optimism, despite weak retail sales
Sterling breached the $1. 40 level on Friday for the first time since April 2018, despite the release of disappointing UK retail sales data, with analysts pointing to optimism over the vaccine rollout.
Focusrite lifts full-year expectations
Audio products company Focusrite lifted full year expectations on Friday after reporting strong demand from distributors and dealers.
Idox confirms takeover talks with Dye & Durham
Idox shares surged on Friday after the management software provider said it is in talks with Dye & Durham about a possible acquisition.
HSBC recruits former CBI boss Carolyn Fairbairn as director
HSBC has recruited Carolyn Fairbairn, the former boss of the CBI, as a non-executive director to draw on her connections and political acumen at a time of turbulence for the bank.
Cadence Minerals upbeat on publication of Brazil court ruling
Cadence Minerals updated the market on its investment in the Amapa Iron Ore Project in Brazil on Friday, confirming that the court ruling it announced earlier in February had been published, and thus was now effective.
Europe open: Shares edge ahead as Hermes results please investors
European shares inched higher on Friday as investors digested more corporate earnings reports across the region and economic indicators as inflationary fears kept a lid on sentiment.
Warpaint extends consulting deal with Ward & Hagon for another year
Specialist cosmetics company Warpaint London has renewed its contract with Ward & Hagon Management Consulting, it announced on Friday.
Urban Logistics acquires six logistics assets for £27.8m
Real estate investment trust Urban Logistics has acquired six logistics assets for a total consideration of £27. 8m.
88 Energy rises on progress at Alaska's North Slope
88 Energy updated the market on its operations on the North Slope of Alaska on Friday, reporting that rig commissioning was now complete, with mobilisation having started for the drilling of Merlin-1.
NatWest to pull out of Ireland as results beat forecasts
NatWest said it was pulling out of the Republic of Ireland as the bank reported a smaller than expected annual loss and restored its dividend.