Market Pulse
Europe open: Investors undecided after 'slightly hawkish' Fed, 'awkward' Brexit extension
Stocks on the Continent started the session mostly lower with some traders citing the release of what they labelled a slightly hawkish set of US central bank policy meeting minutes overnight and an "awkward" extension to Article 50 as the chief factors that were weighing on sentiment.
FRC launches probe into Grant Thornton's audits of Interserve
The Financial Reporting Council has launched an investigation into Grant Thornton's audit of outsourcer Interserve's financial statements.
National Grid guides towards full-year underlying EPS in-line with expectations
National Grid guided towards full-year underlying earnings per share in-line with its expectations ahead of its financial year close.
Online sales boost Quiz revenues
Fast-fashion brand Quiz reported a 12% increase in full-year revenue on Thursday as it said it will continue to "work productively" with Debenhams.
Intu Properties appoints Barbara Giddes as interim CFO
Shopping centre owner Intu Properties has appointed director of finance Barbara Gibbes as its interim chief financial officer with effect from 29 April.
CyanConnode revenues set to 'significantly exceed' prior year tally
Radiofrequency networks specialist CyanConnode expects its full-year revenues to "significantly exceed" their prior year mark.
WH Smith revenues boosted by travel segment
WH Smith posted a jump in interim revenue on Thursday thanks to a strong performance from its travel division, but profit was dented by costs related to the acquisition of US airport retailer InMotion.
Scapa delivers record profits as revenues top £300m
Adhesives manufacturer Scapa reached a milestone of more than £300m in revenue and delivered record profits in its last trading year.
Ten Lifestyle appoints Alan Donald as CFO
Lifestyle and travel platform Ten Lifestyle Group named former Thomas Cook finance director Alan Donald as its next chief financial officer on Thursday.
Brexit concerns continue to weigh on Britain's housing market
The average level of stock on estate agents' books plumbed a close to record low in March, yet prices continued to decline modestly even as new inquiries fell for an eighth consecutive month on the back of mounting concerns around Brexit, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
London open: Stocks drop as pound steady after Brexit extension
London stocks fell at the open on Thursday as investors digested news of a Brexit extension to the end of October.
China inflation jumps in March, but only as expected
Chinese consumer prices picked up in March as food inflation bounced back following a big Lunar New Year induced slowdown during the previous month.
IP Group cheers progress with Diurnal's Chronocort treatment
Intellectual property-based business investor and developer IP Group reported on Thursday that its portfolio company Diurnal Group had received formal scientific advice from the European Medicines Agency confirming the current clinical and regulatory path for ‘Chronocort’ as a treatment for adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Syncona confirms merger of its Gyroscope and Orbit businesses
Healthcare investment company Syncona announced the merger of its companies Gyroscope Therapeutics - an ophthalmology company developing genetically defined therapies for retinal diseases - and specialist subretinal therapeutic medical device company Orbit Biomedical on Thursday.
Pennon's South West Water receives draft determination for next regulatory period
Pennon Group confirmed on Thursday that the water industry regulator Ofwat has published a draft determination for its South West Water operation, following its announcement on 31 January that its 2020-2025 business plan had been assessed as ‘fast tracked.
Man Group sees decent improvement in funds under management
Man Group reported a 4% improvement in funds under management in the quarter ended 31 March on Thursday, to $112. 3bn, compared to $108. 5bn at the end of December.
Long-time finance director appointed new Ted Baker CEO
Fashion group Ted Baker announced the appointment of Lindsay Page as its new chief executive officer on Thursday, with immediate effect.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Starbucks, house prices, Italy, Virgin Atlantic
A £1m fund to help expand and improve paper cup recycling facilities across the UK will be launched on Thursday by the coffee giant Starbucks and environmental charity Hubbub. Local authorities, recycling companies and social enterprises will be invited to bid for grants of up to £100,000 on behalf of their communities to create at least 10 large-scale recycling programmes. – Guardian.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower as EU agrees Halloween Brexit extension
London stocks were set to fall at the open on Thursday as investors digested news of a Brexit extension to the end of October.