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London midday: FTSE gains amid Powell relief
London stocks had extended gains by midday on Wednesday, having hit a fresh all-time high, as investors welcomed less hawkish than feared comments from US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
Frasers says Rascal Clothing brand purchase not proceeding
Frasers Group said it was no longer going ahead with its acquisition of the Rascal Clothing brand from JD Sports.
TP Icap ditches talks over data division sale - report
Interdealer broker TP Icap has reportedly ditched talks about a sale of its data division, Parameta, despite coming under pressure to return more cash to investors.
Barclays hikes BP price target
Barclays hiked its price target on BP on Wednesday to 1,000p from 700p following the oil giant’s results a day earlier.
UK to narrowly avoid recession despite cost-of-living hit - NIESR
The UK will narrowly avoid recession, a think tank forecast on Wednesday, but warned it would still feel like one for millions as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.
Europe open: Shares up as Powell speech soothes rate fears
European shares opened strongly on Wednesday, taking their cue from a rally on Wall Street after less-hawkish-than anticipated comments from US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell.
Berenberg slightly raises target price on Yellow Cake following 'timely acquisition'
Analysts at Berenberg slightly raised their target on uranium business Yellow Cake from 543. 0p to 552. 0p on Wednesday following a "timely acquisition" by the group.
Renold sees FY profits ahead of market expectations
Renold said on Wednesday that full-year profits were set to be ahead of current market expectations following strong trading since the interim results in November.
Fourth-quarter income falls at SocGen
Societe Generale reported a slide in fourth-quarter income on Wednesday, after the French lender boosted provisions for bad loans.
Speedy Hire launches investigation into uncovering £20m deficiency
Tools and equipment hire services company Speedy Hire has launched an investigation after uncovering a deficiency in the net book value of its hire equipment.
JPMorgan upgrades Trustpilot to 'overweight'
JPMorgan Cazenove lifted Trustpilot to ‘overweight’ from ‘neutral’ on Wednesday and upped the price target to 150p from 100p, as it said EBITDA was at a turning point and the top line has been de-risked.
Cryptos rebound; Powell boosts Bitcoin above $23,000
The cryptocurrency market rebounds. Bitcoin (BTC) rises 1. 2% in the last 24 hours and exceeds $23,200, while Ethereum (ETH) soars 2. 6% and flirts with $1,700.
PZ Cussons reiterates full-year guidance
PZ Cussons reiterated its full-year outlook on Wednesday, despite the "challenging" economic climate, following a jump in interim revenues.
London open: Stocks rise as investors mull Powell comments
London stocks hit a record high in early trade on Wednesday, having taken their opening cue from gains on Wall Street, as investors mulled the latest comments from US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
Sosandar to raise £4.5m to accelerate omni-channel strategy
Women’s online fashion brand Sosandar said on Wednesday that it plans to raise £4. 5m in a placing to accelerate the execution of its omni-channel strategy through further investment in stock.
Future FY operating profits seen in line with expectations
Media firm operator Future expects to deliver full-year adjusted operating profits looked set to be in line with expectations, thanks to the diversification of its revenue streams and content verticals so far this year.
Grainger posts strong rental growth on high demand, short supply
Private housing provider and developer Grainger reported a strong rise in rental growth as it cashed in on a shortage of supply against higher demand.
Ashmore H1 profits drop amid 'subdued' investor appetite
Emerging markets asset manager Ashmore posted a drop in first-half profits on Wednesday as it pointed to "subdued" risk appetite in the face of several global macro and geopolitical headwinds.
FirstGroup to buy Essex-based bus Group Ensignbus
Transport operator FirstGroup has agreed to buy Essex-based bus company Ensignbus for an undisclosed sum.
Asia report: Shares mixed as Powell calms rate rise jitters
Asia-Pacific shares were mixed on Wednesday, after US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said inflation was falling, indicating rate hikes could be paused.