Market Pulse
Tech firms to be liable for extremist, abusive content on their platforms.
Theresa May has said that that the government will force tech firms such as Facebook and Twitter to remove extremist content from their platforms quickly or face fines.
Europe midday: Italian elections in focus
Stocks are little changed overall ahead of the US central bank's policy announcement later on Wednesday, but not in Italy, where investors are reacting poorly to reports that general elections will likely be held in March 2018.
Sports Direct shareholders reject John Ashley payout
Sports Direct shareholders have rejected the company's proposed £11m payout to founder Mike Ashley's brother for his work as an IT expert.
Tillerson says US is ready for talks with North Korea
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said the United States is open to communication with North Korea 'without preconditions'.
Avanti Communications proposes debt-for-equity swap
Avanti Communications, the satellite services provider, has reached agreement with its major shareholder and most of its bondholders to restructure its $557m debts via a debt-for-equity swap.
Care facilities subject of TV investigation, Cambian confirms
Cambian Group issued an update to the market on Wednesday, reporting that on 10 November, it received a letter from an independent television production company informing it of its intention to broadcast a current affairs programme that will include undercover video footage at a number of care facilities managed by independent providers, three of which are operated by Cambian.
Idox warns on profits after revenue recognition hitch, CEO on sick leave
Idox warned that annual profits will be lower than it previously indicated due to trouble over revenue recognition, which has been complicated by the sudden absence of its chief executive due to illness.
London midday: Stocks steady after mixed jobs data, ahead of Fed announcement
London stocks were steady by midday on Wednesday as investors digested some mixed UK jobs data and looked ahead to the latest policy announcement from the Federal Reserve.
Hikma launches migraine injection treatment
Hikma Pharmaceuticals has launched its own version of an acute injected treatment for migraine headaches, dihydroergotamine mesylate. West-Ward's Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection, USP is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura and the acute treatment of cluster headache episodes. According to IMS Health, US sales of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection, USP were approximately $34. 8 million in the 12 months ending October 2017.
Brexit: Theresa May could be facing defeat over withdrawal bill
The British government is facing a rebellion in parliament after MPs requested an amendment calling for a “meaningful vote" on the Brexit deal before it is made final.
US pre-open: Stocks seen flat as investors eye Fed announcement
US futures pointed to a muted open on Wall Street on Wednesday as investors eyed the latest policy announcement and economic projections from the Federal Reserve.
Zotefoams to provide footwear foams exclusively to Nike
Zotefoams has entered into a strategic partnership with Nike, it announced on Wednesday, to develop footwear technology and supply materials for the global footwear, apparel and equipment company.
Dixons Carphone pledges to 'simplify' mobile business as profits plummet
Profits at Dixons Carphone crumpled in the first half as UK mobile phone customers continued to hold onto their handsets longer, leading the retailer to plan a restructuring of this business and pledge that the dividend will be kept steady.
Vela Technologies raises £0.75m in placing
Early-stage and pre-IPO technology investing company Vela Technologies has raised gross proceeds of £0. 75m through a placing of 115,384,615 new ordinary shares at a price of 0. 65p per share, it announced on Wednesday.
UK wage growth flatters to deceive as jobless claims hit five-month high
UK wage growth is picking up slightly but still remains well short of inflation, while the number of people claiming unemployment benefit reached a five-month high.
Asia report: Markets mostly higher as oil prices rise
Markets in Asia finished mostly higher on Wednesday, with the so-called ‘THAAD stocks’ in Korea surging as the country’s president began a four-day trip to China and oil prices creeping higher.
Faroe Petroleum says Tambar field production has resumed
Oil and gas company Faroe Petroleum said on Wednesday that production from the Tambar field in Norway has resumed following an accident on the Maersk interceptor drilling rig last week that left one person dead.
Jefferies downgrades Berkeley Group on valuation
Jefferies downgraded Berkeley Group to 'hold' from 'buy' on valuation grounds, but lifted the price target to 4,214p from 3,958p.
Purplebricks revenue surges but operating losses widen
AIM-listed online estate agency Purplebricks reported a surge in first-half revenue on Wednesday and upped its revenue guidance, although its operating losses widened.
Wood Group confirms profit targets, progress on AFW integration
Wood Group said the integration of newly acquired Amec Foster Wheeler was progressing ahead of schedule and that total adjusted operating profits for the full year will be between $335m and $355m.