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UK retail footfall jumps in January, despite wintery weather
Retail footfall jumped in January, industry data showed on Friday, as shoppers braved winter weather to hit the January sales.
US close: Stocks mixed after earnings barrage
US stock markets were searching for direction on Thursday following a barrage of blue chip corporate earnings that received a mixed reaction from investors, while labour-market data was in firm focus.
Europe close: FTSE 100 and DAX hit records as earnings impress
European stock markets rose strongly on Thursday on the back of some well-received blue chip earnings, with record highs registered in London and Frankfurt.
London close: FTSE hits fresh record as Bank of England cuts rates
London's financial markets closed well above the waterline on Thursday, following the Bank of England's decision to reduce its main interest rate by 25 basis points to 4. 5%, as expected.
Broker tips: FeverTree, Greencore, Arrow Exploration
Berenberg hiked its target price for tonic maker Fever-Tree from 700. 0p to 860. 0p on the back of the tonic maker's partnership with Molson Coors, which it said appears "highly attractive".
Serco secures £1bn MoD contract
Serco said on Thursday that it has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence to deliver its next-generation recruitment solution for the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and Strategic Command.
Director dealings: Speedy Hire CFO ups stake
Speedy Hire revealed on Thursday that chief financial officer Paul Rayner had acquired 12,500 ordinary shares in the London-listed equipment hire firm.
Canaccord Genuity lowers target price on Arrow Exploration
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lowered their target price on Colombia-focussed oil firm Arrow Exploration from 50. 0p to 44. 0p on Thursday but acknowledged that near-term drilling was likely to reboot production growth.
FTSE 100 movers: AstraZeneca surges on results; Halma hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was up 1. 4% at 8,741. 47 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US open: Stocks mixed as traders digest corporate earnings
Wall Street trading got off to a mixed start on Thursday as corporate earnings took centre stage.
Watches of Switzerland backs FY guidance after 'good' holiday trading
Watches of Switzerland backed its full-year guidance on Thursday as it said trading in the 13 weeks to 26 January was in line with its expectations.
Vertu Motors warns FY profits will miss expectations, shares tank
Vertu Motors tanked on Thursday as it warned that full-year adjusted pre-tax profit would be "significantly below" current market expectations as the UK government’s zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate is causing severe disruption in the new car market.
Comptoir brings back former CEO Hanna
Comptoir Group announced the formal appointment of Chaker Hanna as its chief executive officer on Thursday, effective immediately.
Smoke-free products help Philip Morris top Q4 forecasts
Strong sales of vapes and nicotine pouches helped tobacco giant Philip Morris International beat forecasts with its fourth-quarter results on Thursday, as the manufacturer posted full-year guidance ahead of consensus.
US jobless claims shoot past expectations
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at an accelerated pace in the week ended 1 February, according to the Labor Department.
Peloton raises full-year guidance after Q2 beat
Peloton's share price raced ahead on Thursday after the fitness equipment maker impressed with a strong set of second-quarter sales figures an upgrade to full-year forecasts.
Ralph Lauren lifts guidance, shares spike
Fashion brand Ralph Lauren lifted annual revenue guidance after reporting better-than-expected third quarter earnings, as wealthy customers splashed out on its range of clothing, sending shares in the company 12% higher on Wall Street.
Marks & Spencer clothing boss Richard Price to depart
Marks & Spencer said on Thursday Richard Price, managing director of clothing, home & beauty since 2020, will be leaving the retailer to pursue a portfolio career.
Bristol Myers Squibb delivers solid Q4 performance, FY25 guidance disappoints
Shares in pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb headed south in early trading as its solid Q4 revenue performance was offset by FY25 guidance that fell short of Wall Street expectations.