Latest News
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Shell, Wise, Sensyne Health
It has been another record year for renewable energy, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and rising costs for raw materials around the world, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). About 290GW of new renewable energy generation capacity, mostly in the form of wind turbines and solar panels, has been installed around the world this year, beating the previous record last year. On current trends, renewable energy generating capacity will exceed that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined by 2026.
UK retail footfall declines in November
Footfall in UK retail destinations fell in November but was still a "much improved" result when compared to July, when footfall was 24. 2% below 2019 levels.
US close: Stocks turn sharply negative as Omicron arrives in US
Wall Street stocks turned sharply to close well below the waterline on Wednesday, as the US confirmed its first case of the ‘Omicron’ variant in California.
Thursday preview: OPEC+, US jobless claims in the spotlight
The market spotlight on Thursday will be on OPEC+ energy ministers as they meet to decide on whether to move ahead with a 400,000 barrel per day increase in their combined output come January or not.
Europe close: Shares rally amid improved headlines around new Omicron variant
European markets continued their roller-coaster Omicron Covid-variant volatility ride on Wednesday but on this occasion upwards.
Is it really worth vaccinating the entire globe for $50bn? OECD asks
Vaccinating people around the entire globe could cost a staggering $50bn, but it would be worth the effort, even if only because of the rather higher cost of not doing so, the rich world´s economic watchdog argued.
London close: FTSE rallies as Omicron concerns ease
London stocks ended sharply higher on Wednesday as worries about the Omicron Covid variant eased.
Broker tips: Future, Tritax Big Box, Dr Martens
Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on media firm Future from 4,890. 0p to 5,225. 0p on Wednesday following the publication of the group's solid full-year results.
FTSE 250 movers: Liontrust roars higher; Redde Northgate surges
London’s FTSE 250 was up 1. 6% at 22,882. 22 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
FTSE 100 movers: Travel shares recover; Ocado loses ground
London’s FTSE 100 was up 1. 4% at 7,155. 57in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
US open: Stocks higher as Omicron-fuelled volatility continues
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Wednesday as Omicron variant-fuelled volatility continues.
US private sector adds more jobs than expected in November
Private sector employment in the US grew a little more than expected in November, according to the latest data from ADP.
Barclays upgrades Dr Martens to 'overweight'
Barclays upgraded Dr Martens to ‘overweight’ from ‘equalweight’ on Wednesday, keeping the price target at 480p, as it argued that the iconic footwear company has an "attractive brand with many levers to drive revenue and EBITDA growth".
JPMorgan starts Tritax Big Box at 'overweight'
JPMorgan initiated coverage of Tritax Big Box at ‘overweight’ on Wednesday with a 265p price target as it noted the company has a significant landbank of development opportunities.
Asia close: Risk appetite holds on positive Covid-19 news out of Israel
Bourses around the region were mostly higher on Wednesday even after the head of the US central bank sounded a more hawkish note overnight and the head of US vaccine maker Moderna said current vaccines would struggle with Omicron, the new variant of Covid-19.
Liontrust Asset Management H1 profits triple as revenues soar
Fund manager Liontust Asset Management said on Wednesday that interim profits had tripled as revenues soared throughout the half.
US pre-open: Futures in the green following Tuesday's sell-off
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Wednesday following another day of heavy, Omicron-fuelled losses in the previous session.
London midday: FTSE firmly in the black as travel shares recover
London stocks were still firmly in the black by midday on Wednesday as travel and hospitality shares rebounded from recent Omicron-fuelled losses.
Europe midday: Shares extend gains as airlines back in favour after Omicron slump
European markets continued their roller-coaster Omicron Covid-variant volatility ride on Wednesday morning as shares extended gains from the morning session.
SSE subsidiary details final RIIO-ED2 business plan
Energy company SSE's wholly-owned subsidiary Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution published its final business plan for Ofgem's RIIO-ED2 price controls on Wednesday.