Market Pulse
FTSE 250 movers: WH Smith boosted by upgrade; Wood Group gushes lower
London’s FTSE 250 was flat at 18,749. 56 in afternoon trade, with broker notes making their mark on the index.
Don't take a March interest rate hike off the table, Fed's Harker says
An interest rate hike in March was possible, the president of the US Federal Reserve bank of Philadelphia said.
Results round-up: HSBC, InterContinental Hotels, Wood Group
HSBC threw in an extra £1bn share buyback and offered assurances about maintaining its dividend to try and keep investors onside as it reported a bigger than expected drop in annual profits and admitted it may need to move 1,000 jobs from London to Paris over the next two years due to Brexit.
FTSE 100 movers: Rolls-Royce gains again; HSBC tanks on results
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% to 7,282. 13 in afternoon trade, as investors sifted through a raft of corporate news, including a disappointing set of results from banking giant HSBC.
Wednesday preview: Lloyds and GDP provide insight into UK economy
On Wednesday there will two crucial insights into the health of the UK economy, with a confirmed measure of gross domestic product for the fourth quarter of last year, plus results from Lloyds Banking Group, itself also key national business bellwether.
FairFX Group launches China payments
Fintech firm FairFX Group’s customers are now able to make same day payments to mainland China.
Hastings Group gains regulatory approval for sale of 30% stake
Insurer Hastings Group has announced that the proposed acquisition of a 29. 9% stake in the company by South Africa’s Rand Merchant Investment Holdings for up to £499. 5m has gained regulatory approval.
HSBC slides after 62% profits plunge
HSBC threw in an extra £1bn share buyback and offered assurances about maintaining its dividend to try and keep investors onside as it reported a bigger than expected drop in annual profits and admitted it may need to move 1,000 jobs from London to Paris over the next two years due to Brexit.
Image Scan maintains strong order book
Real-time security and industrial inspection x-ray specialist Image Scan provided a trading update on Tuesday morning, ahead of its 2017 annual general meeting being held during the afternoon.
Broker tips: AO World, OneSavings Bank, WH Smith, Bodycote
Online electrical goods retailer AO World slumped on Tuesday as Morgan Stanley downgraded its stance on the stock to ‘underweight’ from ‘equalweight’ and cut the price target to 135p from 170p.
Recurring revenues and earnings improve at Netcall
Customer engagement software provider Netcall announced its unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December on Tuesday, with the board reporting robust bookings in the period, and trading in line with management expectations.
London midday: Stocks flat as investors digest borrowing figures, Haldane comments
London stocks were little changed as investors digested the latest UK borrowing figures and a disappointing set of results from banking giant HSBC, with the pound weaker on the back of comments by the Bank of England's Andy Haldane.
Europe midday: Stocks higher on encouraging economic data
European stocks were trading higher on Tuesday on the back of encouraging eurozone economic data, while HSBC was among the day’s biggest fallers after the bank reported a bigger-than-expected fall in profit.
Dotdigital revenue rises in first half
Digital marketing software-as-a-service and managed services provider dotdigital Group announced its results for the six months to 31 December on Tuesday, with revenue from operations up 17% to £15. 0m, from £12. 9m.
US pre-open: Stocks seen slightly higher ahead of earnings, PMIs
US futures pointed to a slightly firmer start on Wall Street as investors awaited data on the services and manufacturing sectors and more earnings releases.
Asia report: Markets take a breather from DC news frenzy
Asian markets were mixed on Tuesday, with many investors seemingly counting on the Trump administration across the Pacific to provide some positive momentum as they struggled to find direction locally.
Lighthouse Group profits shine as sunset clause offset
Independent financial adviser group Lighthouse delivered a strong set of annual results as it generated higher revenue per adviser and the revenue mix shifted towards higher margin divisions.
InterContinental Hotels profit up, to return $400m to shareholders
InterContinental Hotels Group posted a jump in full-year operating profit on Tuesday as it said it will return $400m to shareholders via a special dividend and share consolidation.
UK public sector borrowing in £9.4bn surplus last month
UK public sector net borrowing was in surplus by £9. 4bn in January – a key month for income tax receipts – up a touch from £9. 1bn in the same month a year ago.