Market Pulse
Commodities: Gold ends week on a high thanks to subdued US data and weaker dollar
Gold rose to a six-week high in Friday's trading, aided by an ever weaker US dollar and worse than-expected US inflation, dampening expectations of a raise in interest rates.
Week ahead: Focus on MPC and US Jobs report
All eyes in the coming week will be on Bank's policy decision on Thursday and accompanying Inflation Report.
FX round-up: 10-month resistance area caps cable moves higher
Cable found it difficult on the last trading day of the week to break above the 10-month high seen earlier this month and on Thursday, with heavy selling seen on both occasions at 1. 3155.
Europe close: Stocks in the red as investors digest bank earnings
European stocks ended in the red on Friday following mixed results from the continent’s banking behemoths and amid a rising euro.
London close: Stocks end lower; tobacco shares tank
London stocks ended in the red on Friday as tobacco shares took a tumble and following a series of disappointing corporate releases.
FTSE 250 movers: Engineers Rotork and IMI wheel lower
The FTSE 250 fell almost 0. 8% to 19,729. 03 on Friday as stocks from a variety of sectors were cut down to size.
Tobacco stocks smoked as US regulator sparks nicotine-reduction plan
Big tobacco stocks got smoked on Friday as US regulators said they planned to lower nicotine levels in an effort to lower the number of tobacco-related deaths, though analysts had mixed opinion over which companies were benefiting from the plans.
FTSE 100 movers: Big tobacco burned, Johnson Matthey Q1 disappoints
London's FTSE 100 was pushed down 1. 07% to 7,363. 57 in afternoon trade at the end of a busy week for corporate earnings.
Laird a-leaping after 'encouraging' first half improvement
Electronic component maker Laird reported a much improved performance in the first six months of the year, with underlying profit before tax improving 47% to £24. 1m.
US open: Stocks in the red as Amazon, Exxon retreat after earnings; GDP digested
US stocks edged lower in early trade on Friday, with Amazon under the cosh after disappointing earnings, as investors digested the latest reading on economic growth.
US consumer sentiment deteriorates in July
Consumer sentiment in the US deteriorated in July, according to final figures from the University of Michigan.
Acacia Mining reports 'increased pressure' from Tanzania government
A senior Acacia Mining staff member was detained and their passport seized by the Tanzanian authorities, with the London-listed company reporting "increased levels of pressure" from the government on its employees amid a dispute over exports and taxes.
US economy grows a little less than expected in Q2
The US economy grew a little less than expected in the second quarter, according to data released by the Commerce Department on Friday.
Europe midday: Stocks fall despite strong banking results
European stocks markets remained in the red as the week came to a close, amid mixed results from the continent's banking behemoths and a rising euro.
Savills buys Spain's Aguirre Newman for EUR67m
Savills has announced the acquisition of Spanish real estate advisory business, Aguirre Newman, for up to €67m, which is payable in instalments over five years from completion.
7digital confident in 2018 profitability
Digital music and radio services company 7digital performed well in the first half of the year, it reported on Friday, with total group revenue up 13% to £5. 93m.
London midday: Stocks extend losses as Barclays, IAG reverse course
London stocks had pushed further into the red by midday following a series of disappointing corporate releases, at the end of what has been a manic week for earnings.
Gfinity 'Elite Series' to feature on BBC Three
International esports company Gfinity signed a contract with the British Broadcasting Corporation, it announced on Thursday, to broadcast its newly launched Elite Series from the Gfinity Arena in London.
Amazon profits slump as retail giant spends big
US ecommerce colossus Amazon has recorded a 77% drop in quarterly income as it spends heavily in order to boost growth.