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US close: Stocks fall after Fed comments, strong jobs data
US stock markets finished mostly lower on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve highlighted a "lack of further progress" in bringing inflation down to its 2% target, while data showed private job gains were stronger than expected.
Federal Reserve stays put on rates
America's central bank stood pat on rates on Wednesday, but refrained from sounding a hawkish note that might tighten financial conditions further.
Broker tips: Volution, Videndum
Jefferies reiterated its 'buy' rating and 510. 0p target price on Volution on Wednesday as it said the company's ability to drive margins higher, through both revenue mix and efficiency, is more than offsetting the challenging market backdrop to deliver ongoing earning upgrades.
Sector movers: Oil, Autos drag on FTSE 350
Weakness in the oil patch and among select cyclicals dragged on the FTSE 350 in the middle of the week.
US job openings little changed in March, quits continue to retreat
The number of job openings in the U. S. declined only slightly in March, but the number of so-called quits continued to retreat.
London close: Stocks fall ahead of US Fed decision
London markets closed lower on Wednesday, as investors digested the latest UK manufacturing data and anticipated an impending policy announcement from the US Federal Reserve.
Director dealings: Vistry CEO makes share purchase
Vistry Group revealed on Wednesday that chief executive Greg Fitzgerald had acquired 23,172 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed housebuilding firm.
Thursday preview: Euro area factory PMIs, StanChart in focus
Investors' attention on Thursday will be on a raft of factory sector purchasing managers' surveys due out in the euro area.
FTSE 250 movers: Aston Martin, Computacenter out of favour
FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,921. 41 -0. 22% .
Factory sector activity slows by more than expected in April, ISM says
Factory sector activity in the U. S. declined unexpectedly last month, even as price pressures picked up, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
FTSE 100 movers: Smith & Nephew jumps; Haleon in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 3% at 8,117. 38 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Altitude delivers 'another strong year' in FY24
Technology and information business Altitude Group said on Wednesday that it has experienced "another strong year of trading" as it delivered "a transformative entrance" into the Collegiate market.
US construction spending falls 0.2% in March
US construction spending fell by 0. 2% month-on-month in March, according to the Census Bureau, following a revised flat reading in February and missing market expectations for a 0. 3% increase.
US open: Stocks mixed ahead of FOMC decision
Wall Street trading got off to a mixed start on Wednesday as market participants awaited the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting and digested more mega-cap earnings.
Johnson & Johnson proposes $6.5bn deal to settle talc claims
Johnson & Johnson has proposed a $6. 5bn deal to settle thousands of lawsuits claiming its talc products cause cancer, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
Barclays to cut jobs in investment banking - reports
Barclays has reportedly kicked off a fresh round of redundancies, cutting "a few hundred roles" at its investment bank as it looks to tackle underperformers and reinvest in new talent.
HSS Hire paints confident outlook for 2024 as CFO resigns
Equipment rental firm HSS Hire said it expects results for the current year to be in line with market forecasts despite an uncertain macro environment, after it reported a sharp drop in annual profits for 2023 and the resignation of its chief financial officer.
Flutter shareholders vote in favour of US primary listing
Shareholders in Flutter Entertainment voted on Wednesday in favour of moving the Paddy Power owner’s primary listing to New York from London.
CVS Health shares fall on earnings miss, lowered outlook
Shares in pharmacy giant CVS Health were falling on Wednesday, after its first-quarter results fell short of expectations, with both revenue and adjusted earnings missing the mark.
US private sector employment rises more than expected - ADP
Private sector employment in the US rose more than expected April, according to figures released on Wednesday by the ADP.