Market Pulse
Eddie Stobart reports good contract progress ahead of Christmas
Eddie Stobart updated the market on its contract progress across all business sectors on Thursday, reporting that in its retail sector it now provides services to “most” of the major supermarkets in the UK.
Summit Therapeutics appoints Panmure Gordon as joint broker
The drug discovery and development company, Summit Therapeutics, reported on Thursday the appointment of a leading investment bank as joint-broker with immediate effect.
PM to 'take charge' of housing as housing associations pledge homes boost
A UK house-building surge is on the cards as Prime Minister Theresa May pledged to take "personal charge" of fixing the housing market, while a significant technical change is expected to produce a major boost in output from housing associations.
Indian Supreme Court demands Government regulate Bitcoin
The Supreme Court of India called on the nation's government on Tuesday to take steps to regulate the use of crypto-currencies such as bitcoin.
Philly Fed index slips by more than forecast in November
Activity in the US mid-Atlantic factory sector cooled slightly more than expected in November, the results of a widely-followed survey revealed, although a key sub-index tied to the pace of new orders continued to push higher.
UK may increase offer for EU Brexit divorce bill - report
Prime Minister Theresa May is mulling a potential £20m increase to the Brexit 'divorce bill' to the European Union in order to move talks onto the next stage, according to a newspaper report on Thursday.
BT to invest £20m in Northern Ireland broadband rollout
Telecom giant BT Group is set to invest £20m in a major expansion of its broadband services in Northern Ireland.
Buy Centrica on share price weakness, Kepler Cheuvreux says
Kepler Cheuvreux has upgraded Centrica to 'buy' after shares of the energy provider fell past the broker's valuation of the business.
TalkTalk's 'limited upside' not worth the profit pain for RBC
TalkTalk's fixed low price plan is driving new subscriptions but as margins are being squeezed and profitability unlikely to return until early next year, RBC Capital Markets felt the risks on the stock outweigh "the limited upside".
Euro area CPI slips in October, Eurostat confirms
Consumer prices in the euro dipped in October amid broad-based declines outside of food, alcohol and tobacco.
Young's confident in British thirst despite market concerns
Brewer and pub operator Young & Co’s reported another period of “strong performance” in its first half on Thursday, with total revenue up 6. 0% to £144. 1m.
London midday: Stock rebound limited as pound ticks up on retail sales
London stocks had nudged just a touch higher by midday on Thursday, putting the brakes on a two week selloff but able to make no real ground because the pound ticked up on UK retail sales figures.
Greka Drilling enters three-year drilling contract with Oil and Natural Gas Operation
Greka Drilling has entered into a three year drilling contract with Oil and Natural Gas Operation for its Bokaro CBM asset in India, it announced on Thursday.
Bitcoin getting 'more attention than it deserves' - Morgan Stanley CEO
Investors who think Bitcoin is a stable investment are “deluding themselves”, Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman has said.
Clipper Logistics 'confident' of hitting management expectations
Leeds-based group Clipper Logistics announced on Thursday that trading across the six months leading to 31 October had been in line with the board's expectations in terms of revenue growth, EBITDA and net earnings.
US pre-open: Traders wary ahead of data barrage, Fedpseak
Wall Street's main market gauges are expected to find a modest bid at the start of trading following the previous few days' selling pressure, the fresh economic news on tap allowing.
Europe makes progress with China on steel dumping talks
The European Commission and China have agreed to cooperate on trade and competition, after the two sides set up a dialogue on state aid.
Asia report: Most markets rise after modest oil price gains
Most Asian markets brushed off Wall Street’s weaker Wednesday session to close higher on Thursday, with oil prices giving energy stocks a small boost.
Toople orders top £100,000 as firm looks to move sales in-house
Telecommunications firm Toople watched its customer orders increase every month between June and October alongside monthly revenues that topped £100,000.
Safestore revenues up 10%
FTSE 250-listed self-storage group Safestore increased like-for-like revenue 3. 3% on a constant currency basis in the twelve months leading to 31 October, boosting its total revenue above the previous year's figure along the way.