Market Pulse
Spain's Pedro Sánchez plots public sector hiring spree before elections
The Spanish President, Pedro Sánchez, has announced plans for a massive increase in civil servant hiring ahead of the country's 28 April general elections.
Europe close: Investors cheer lessened risk of 'hard Brexit'
Stocks on the Continent reversed course to finish the session modestly higher on the back of the apparent progress in avoiding a so-called 'no deal' Brexit.
Wednesday preview: St.Jame's Place, Weir Group in focus
A stream of corporate announcements will be in the spotlight on Wednesday, as the earnings season continues to ramp-up.
Broker tips: BT, IG Group
Analysts at Berenberg downgraded UK telecoms giant BT to 'hold' on Tuesday as it questioned whether the group's normalised free cash flow would be enough for it to meet its strategic targets while maintaining its dividend payout.
RBC initiates coverage on IG Group at 'outperform'
RBC Capital Markets initiated coverage on UK-based trading outfit IG Group at 'outperform' on Tuesday despite noting that the firm's "robust growth trajectory" had been interrupted by the implementation of new EU regulatory measures.
London close: Mixed day for stocks as pound surges on May's Brexit U-turn
London's blue-chip benchmark finished in the red on Tuesday but domestically focused stocks climbed higher, as Theresa May offered parliament a vote to prevent a no-deal Brexit sending the pound surging and also lifting hopes for the UK economy.
Director dealings: IHG director lowers stake
InterContinental Hotels' new chief commercial and technology officer George Turner disposed of 10,000 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100-listed firm on Tuesday.
Caterpillar hit with double-downgrade by analysts at UBS
Caterpillar shares fell at the open following a double-downgrade to 'sell' by analysts over at UBS.
Shareholders approve China Medical Systems investment in Midatech
Midatech Pharma confirmed on Tuesday that, following shareholder approval of the strategic investment by China Medical Systems (CMS) and A&B Hong Kong, the licence agreement entered into between itself and CMS was now formally in force.
FTSE 100 movers: Fresnillo loses its shine but Persimmon fights back
London's FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% at 7,166. 26, with sterling on the rise as investors grew hopeful that a no deal Brexit will be avoided.
Tekmar Group signs £3m contract at existing wind farm
Subsea cable, umbilical and flexible pipe protection technology provider Tekmar Group announced on Tuesday that Tekmar Energy had signed a remedial contract worth around £3m for execution over the next six months.
Berenberg drops BT to 'hold' on dividend concerns
Analysts at Berenberg downgraded UK telecoms giant BT to 'hold' on Tuesday as it questioned whether the group's normalised free cash flow would be enough for it to meet its strategic targets while maintaining its dividend payout.
Novacyt trading in line as it seeks fresh funding
Clinical diagnostics specialist Novacyt updated the market on its current position and funding plans on Tuesday, confirming that 2019 trading had started positively and was in line with 2019 management expectations.
Ormonde pleased with recent progress at Barruecopardo
Ormonde updated the market on the construction and commissioning of the Barruecopardo Tungsten Project in Salamanca, Spain on Tuesday, where it held a 30% interest, reporting that open pit mining of surface tungsten ore zones began in January.
Restore offloads ITP toner cartridge recycling business
Office services provider Restore has sold its toner cartridge recycling business ITP to Ink & Toner Recycling, it announced on Tuesday.
US open: Mixed start to trading as Powell testimony continues
Wall Street trading began with some mixed results on Tuesday, as optimism over Sino-US trade relations faded and investors eyed Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell's testimony before the US Senate.
German consumer confidence steady in March, despite poor views on economy
Few changes in Germany's consumer climate are expected next month, despite a "steep" drop in economic expectations and dip in buying intentions.
Augean puts dividend payments on hold until resolution of HMRC spat
Waste management business Augean saw profits soar in its last trading year as a result of a significant decline in exception items.
Starcom jumps after providing tracking technology for electric motorcycle
Starcom climbed on Tuesday after confirming that its Helios tracking and monitoring technology is incorporated in a newly launched electric motorcycle made by leading electric vehicle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles.
US house price growth eases in December - S&P/Case-Shiller
US house price growth eased back in December, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller National Home Price Index.