Market Pulse
Thursday preview: CBI survey to ease, Saga and Chemring report
Thursday should be a quieter day on the UK financial calendar, with the CBI industrial trends survey providing macroeconomic data and little in the way of scheduled results apart from updates from mid-sized names including Saga, Chemring and Go-Ahead Group.
FX round-up: Sterling ahead as BoE's Haldane hawkish on UK rates
Sterling put in an unfamiliar positive performance on most key crosses Wednesday thanks to a hawkish jawbone on UK interest rates by Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane.
US open: Wall Street mixed despite positive data
The main market indices on Wall Street were trading on a mixed note early on Wednesday despite the release of data showing another drop in oil inventories and stronger-than-expected demand for new homes.
Commodities: Crude extends gains as EIA confirms US stores drop
Crude-oil futures got a mild shove on a sun-soaked Wednesday afternoon in London as fresh official data showed a draw in US stores of the black liquid last week.
London property sales fall 18% in 2016
Home sales in Britain fell significantly during 2016, with London experiencing an 18% drop in property deals in comparison to 2015.
Queen's speech sees embattled May change tack, DUP demands to the fore
In the Queen's speech to formally open parliament, Prime Minister Theresa May's minority government announced an intention to "provide certainty" over Brexit and maintain a "deep and special" alliance with the EU, as well as proposing a review of terror laws, technical education and mental health care.
Macquarie cuts Brent price forecasts, says OPEC has few options
Macquarie slashed its forecasts for the average price of Brent, predicting that too much oil will be produced, loaded and marketed around the world until 2020.
WPP takes minority stake in US-based Celtra Technologies
Advertising agency WPP has taken a minority stake in US-based digital advertising creative management platform Celtra Technologies.
US crude oil inventories fall for a second week
Crude oil inventories in the States shrank for a second week in a row alongside a drop in gasoline stockpiles, official data showed.
Startup bank Atom receives £30m boost
Fintech-focussed startup bank Atom received a state-sponsored cash injection this week, with £30m injected into the firm from British Business Bank.
FTSE 100 movers: Whitbread rallies on update; Provident Financial tanks
London's FTSE 100 was down 0. 1% to 7,462. 97 as investors digested the Queen's Speech.
Alexander Mining receives 'significant interest' in joint venture
Alexander Mining updated the market on its lithium research and development joint venture on Wednesday, confirming “significant interest” following its announcement of the joint venture project on 2 March.
UniVision MTR contract expanded
CCTV system supplier, designer, installer and maintenance provider UniVision Engineering announced on Wednesday that additional works had been confirmed recently by mass transit operator MTR Corporation in Hong Kong.
Hike in Bank Rate might be prudent in second half, BoE's Haldane says
The Bank of England's chef economist signaled he too might soon shift his stance in favour of a hike in Bank Rate.
Empyrean pleased with new Sacgasco deal
Empyrean announced on Wednesday that it entered into a new agreement with Sacgasco to increase its interest in the package of gas projects in the Sacramento Basin, onshore California, previously announced on 15 May and amended on 16 June.
RedstoneConnect to install 'smart solution' in Munich shopping centre
Smart buildings technology and services provider RedstoneConnect announced on Wednesday that it secured a consulting and software mandate worth €0. 75m with real estate investment manager TH Real Estate, to develop and install a smart software solution for its PEP shopping centre in Munich, Germany.
Barclays hails Oxford Instruments's increased focus, ups target
Analysts at Barclays revised their target price for Oxford Instruments's shares higher, hailing recent moves on its portfolio of businesses and balance sheet.
Keep it simple, HSBC tells Capita as it upgrades to a 'buy'
HSBC upgraded Capita to 'buy' from 'hold', despite the question marks surrounding its complex business model.
Touchstone, Mercia throw another £3m at Impression Technologies
Touchstone Innovations announced on Wednesday that it participated in a £3. 0m Series B funding round in Impression Technologies, which it described as an aluminium forming technology business based on intellectual property developed at Imperial College London.
London midday: Stocks fall further as pound perks up after Queen's speech
London stocks had extended losses just after midday on Wednesday after the Queen set out the government's programme for the next two years, and as investors digested data showing the UK budget deficit narrowed in May.