Market Pulse
London midday: Stocks push lower as pound gains ground; oil in focus
London stocks had extended losses by midday on Friday - the first anniversary of the Brexit vote - as the pound ticked higher after Theresa May's meeting with EU leaders in Brussels.
Fridge fire started Grenfell blaze as police confirm cladding failed safety tests
The Grenfell Tower blaze which has left at least 79 people dead was the result of a fridge fire, Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday.
European Wealth Group posts sharp increase in FuM, to raise cash
European Wealth Group reported a large increase in funds under management last year thanks to organic growth, even as it announced a capital raise.
US pre-open: Stocks seen a little weaker ahead of data, Fedspeak
US futures pointed to a slightly weaker open on Friday as investors eyed a slew of data including new home sales, manufacturing figures and the Baker Hughes oil rig count.
Asia report: Markets mixed as China looks to crack down on banks
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Friday, with traders growing concerned over reports that banking regulators in China were looking to quiz banks over their offshore asset investments.
Reach4entertainment's David Stoller to retire as executive chairman
AIM-listed media and entertainment marketing company Reach4entertainment Enterprises has announced the retirement of David Stoller as executive chairman with effect from 30 September.
Rio Tinto completes bond tender, redemption exercise
Rio Tinto said it had completed its bond tender and redemption exercises and had cut gross debt by a further $2. 5bn (£1. 97bn).
Friday broker round-up
Bae Systems: JPMorgan downgrades to Neutral with a target price of 685p.
Credit Suisse boosts 'Blue Sky' target price on meaner, leaner, fitter Shell
A "meaner, leaner and fitter" Royal Dutch Shell may emerge as soon as the outfit's second quarter results, with positive implications for its dividend, said analysts at Credit Suisse as they added the shares to their European Focus List.
SRT Marine receives new UN contract
SRT Marine Systems advised the market on Friday that it received a contract from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to supply a package of specialist AIS Class B transceivers and communication devices, satellite AIS data and a vessel tracking display system.
Animalcare to gobble up Ecuphar
Generic veterinary medicines and identification products and services supplier Animalcare Group announced on Friday that it had entered into a conditional share purchase agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Ecuphar.
IHS Markit euro area composite PMI weakens in June
A key barometre of the euro area economy retreated, weighed down by weakness in services sector activity.
Trinity Exploration progresses production growth strategy
Independent Trinidad and Tobago-focussed exploration and production company Trinity Exploration was holding its annual general meeting in Edinburgh on Friday morning, with executive chairman Bruce Dingwall updating shareholders on the firm’s recent operations.
JPMorgan upgrades Centrica as energy price cap now looks unlikely
JP Morgan Cazenove lifted Centrica to 'neutral' from 'underweight' and upped the price target to 205p from 180p, noting that the worst case scenario was now off the table after the Queen's Speech left out any mention of an energy price cap.
Domino's shares not so tasty as Berenberg highlights mounting risks
Shares in Domino's Pizza were looking less than tasty on Friday after Berenberg cut its stance on the stock to 'hold' from 'buy' and chopped the price target to 325p from 400p, saying near-term risks were mounting.
London open: Stocks in the red as pound ticks up in quiet trade
London stocks fell in early trade on Friday - the first anniversary of the Brexit vote - as the pound ticked higher, with little due in the way of market-moving news and a quiet corporate calendar.
CMA to take action against online gambling companies
The Competition and Markets Authority announced on Friday that it will be taking action against online gambling companies it suspects of breaking consumer law.
Randall & Quilter agrees sale of R&Q Managing Agency
AIM-listed Randall & Quilter has agreed to sell Lloyd's managing agency, R&Q Managing Agency, to Boston-based medical professional liability insurance provider Coverys.
Crystal Amber says Hurricane Energy has weighed on its share price
AIM-listed Crystal Amber Fund said on Friday that the recent drop in its share price primarily reflects the decline in the shares of its largest investment, Hurricane Energy.
Workspace spends £160m on listed City building
Workspace Group announced on Friday that it acquired Salisbury House at 28-31 Finsbury Circus, London EC2, for a cash consideration of £158. 7m.