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Shell beats on Q2 profits, announces $2.0bn share buyback
All of Royal Dutch Shell's key financial metrics headed in the right direction over the second quarter, with the company announcing a dividend increase and share buyback programme as a result.
Empty UK shops increase as pandemic hits sector
The proportion of UK shops sitting empty rose in the second quarter after retailers were buffeted by lockdowns and falling sales during the pandemic, trade figures showed.
US close: Dow reverses yesterday's losses despite GDP miss
Wall Street stocks closed higher on Thursday as investors digested worse-than-expected GDP figures, this week's jobless claims data, more corporate earnings and the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting.
Friday preview: Euro area Q2 GDP, IAG in the spotlight
Financial markets' focus at the of the week will pivot to the Continent, where preliminary readings for second quarter gross domestic product are scheduled in several countries, including in the European Union's four largest economies.
Europe close: Stocks bolstered by corporate results
European stocks extended their recent rally on Thursday, leaving some of the Continent's main indices within striking distance of their all-time highs.
London close: FTSE finishes higher after tsunami of earnings
London stocks finished in the green on Thursday as investors waded through an avalanche of earnings, with well-received results from Anglo American, Rentokil and Shell helping to underpin the mood.
Broker tips: Mirriad Advertising, Wizz Air
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lowered their target price on advertising software firm Mirriad Advertising from 58. 0p to 44. 0p on Thursday, citing a slower ramp-up than initially expected.
Initial US jobless claims fall by less than expected during latest week
The US jobs market improved a tad during the preceding week, the latest high-frequency data showed.
Director dealings: Watkin Jones chairman ups stake
Watkin Jones revealed on Thursday that chairman Grenville Turner had acquired 87,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed property developer and manager.
Thursday broker round-up
Wizz Air: HSBC downgrades to 'reduce' and lowers target price from 4,500. 0p to 4,100. 0p; JP Morgan keeps at 'overweight' and marks up target from 5,350. 0p to 5,800. 0p.
Volex sees ongoing improved customer demand
Power products and integrated manufacturing company Volex said on Thursday that the levels of customer demand it experienced in the second half of the 2021 financial year had continued into the first quarter of 2022.
FTSE 250 movers: Indivior jumps on results; Drax loses power
London’s FTSE 250 was 0. 2% firmer in afternoon trade at 23,049. 75 amid of raft of earnings news.
FTSE 100 movers: Rentokil roars higher; BT loses ground
London’s FTSE 100 was up 1% at 7,083. 16 in afternoon trade on Thursday as investors sifted through an avalanche of earnings.
Novacyt appoints David Allmond as new chief executive
Clinical diagnostics specialist Novacyt announced the appointment of David Allmond as its new chief executive officer and a member of its board on Thursday, effective from 18 October.
AstraZeneca boss not yet sure if booster shots will be needed
AstraZeneca does not know yet whether so-called 'booster' shots of its Covid-19 vaccine will be needed or not.
HSBC downgrades Wizz Air after results
HSBC downgraded Wizz Air to ‘reduce’ from ‘hold’ on Thursday, cutting the price target to 4,100p from 4,500p after its first-quarter results as it said the stock offers good growth but not without risks.
US open: Stocks trade higher despite GDP miss
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Thursday as investors digested worse-than-expected GDP figures, this week's jobless claims data, and the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting.
US pre-open: Futures mixed after Fed keeps rates at near zero
Wall Street futures were mixed ahead of the bell on Thursday after the Federal Reserve vowed to keep interest rates near zero at the conclusion of its two-day policy meeting.
Randall & Quilter reports good gross premiums growth
Non-life specialty insurance company Randall & Quilter updated the market on its accredited programme management performance for the first six months of the year on Thursday, reporting 80% growth in gross written premiums to $445m.
US GDP grows less quickly than expected in Q2 as government stimulus expires
US economic growth accelerated less than expected in the second quarter, although it did reclaim its pre-pandemic level.