Market Pulse
Eurozone economic growth hits highest level since early 2011 - IHS Markit
Business activity in the eurozone accelerated more than initially estimated in December, with economic growth hitting its highest level since early 2011, according to figures released on Thursday.
Walker Greenbank confirms financial impact of machine fire at wallpaper factory
AIM-listed luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank confirmed on Thursday that the impact of the machine fire at its Loughborough wallpaper factor in the current financial year is expected to be less than £500,000.
Sopheon expects revenue and profit figures to best market expectations
Solid growth shown by Sopheon in its interim report card back in August carried over into the final quarter of its trading year, with the group announcing on Thursday that it was expecting revenues and pre-tax profits to come in ahead of market expectations.
London open: Stocks track US and Asia higher, retailers slump on Debenhams warning
London stocks edged higher in early trade on Thursday, tracking strength in the US and Asia as investors eyed the latest reading on the UK services sector, although retailers were under the cosh following a profit warning from Debenhams.
UK house price growth slows in 2017 - Nationwide
House price growth in the UK slowed in 2017, according to the latest survey from mortgage lender Nationwide.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Fat cat pay, Poundland, Tesla, Petrobras
Bosses of top British companies will have made more money by lunchtime on Thursday than the average UK worker will earn in the entire year, according to an independent analysis of the vast gap in pay between chief executives and everyone else. The chief executives of FTSE 100 companies are paid a median average of £3. 45m a year, which works out at 120 times the £28,758 collected by full-time UK workers on average. – Guardian.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher on positive US and Asian cues; services data eyed
London stocks were set for a firmer open on Thursday, taking their cue from positive sessions in the US and Asia and following upbeat Chinese services data.
Whitbread appoints Adam Crozier as chairman amid Costa sale rumours
Whitbread has appointed former ITV and Royal Mail boss Adam Crozier as its new chairman, just as City chatter swirls about a potential break-up of the Premier Inn and Costa Coffee owner.