Market Pulse
US close: Healthcare rout sends stocks lower on Wednesday
US stocks closed lower on Wednesday as investors thumbed over earnings releases from the likes of Morgan Stanley, BNY Mellon and PepsiCo and looked to data that indicated stabilisation of China's economic growth.
Europe close: Stocks jump on good economic news out of China
Stocks on the Continent finished near their best levels of the session despite news that the German government had taken an axe to its growth forecasts again, thanks to unexpectedly strong readings on Chinese growth and better-than-expected results from some US corporates, including banking heavyweight Morgan Stanley.
London close: Stocks finish on mixed note as CPI undershoots
London stocks finished on a mixed note on Wednesday despite the release of better-than-expected Chinese growth figures, as the latest UK inflation data undershot expectations.
China prepping new stimulus package, says Bloomberg
Chinese officials appear to be preparing a stimulus package as they aim to improve sales of items such as cars and electronics after the nation's economy showed signs of reinvigoration on Wednesday.
Director dealings: Asos co-founder lowers stake
Asos co-founder Nick Robertson disposed of 410,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed online retailer on Wednesday as part of an effort to fund his £70m divorce settlement.
Broker tips: JD Sports, BHP
Analysts at Berenberg upped their target price on retailer JD Sports on Wednesday, noting that several near-term tailwinds had helped the group pick up the pace from a jog to a sprint.
RBC reiterates 'sector perform' rating on BHP despite disappointing quarter
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets reiterated their 'sector perform' rating on BHP following "another disappointing operational quarter", noting the performance was somewhat already priced in.
FTSE 100 movers: Bunzl slumps as revenue growth slows; Segro slips
London's FTSE 100 was up 0. 1% at 7,474. 22 in afternoon trade on Wednesday as investors mulled over the latest UK inflation data.
US February trade deficit narrows as aircraft sales jump
America's shortfall on trade with the rest of the world narrowed significantly in February amid a pickup in sales of civilian aircraft.
US open: Healthcare stocks drag Dow into the red, Nasdaq registers intraday record high
US stocks opened mostly lower on Wednesday as investors thumbed over earnings releases from the likes of Morgan Stanley, BNY Mellon and PepsiCo and looked to data that indicated stabilisation of China's economic growth.
Quilter AuM rise amid equity markets rebound
Financial services company Quilter reported a rise in first-quarter assets under management on Wednesday.
Tiger Resource sells off Block Energy shares
Tiger Resource said on Wednesday that it has sold off 625,000 shares in Block Energy, realising net proceeds of just over £64,000 which will be used as general working capital and to target new investments in the natural resource sector.
Serica Energy gushes higher as output runs ahead of forecasts, cash piles up
Serica Energy's shares leapt on Wednesday after acquisitions and the resumption of key operations led to a jump in annual revenue and profits, with output from the former running ahead of expectations.
Mark Carney warns global banks of looming losses from climate change
Mark Carney told the financial sector not to ignore climate change, warning of the losses that it might trigger, including from lenders' stakes in polluting firms.
Berenberg ups target price on 'top pick' JD Sports
Analysts at Berenberg upped their target price on retailer JD Sports on Wednesday, noting that several near-term tailwinds had helped the group pick up the pace from a jog to a sprint.
EU suggests tariffs on $20bn worth of US imports in Boeing row
The European Commission published a list on Wednesday of $20bn worth of US imports that could be hit with tariffs in response to US subsidies to aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
Mastercard could be forced to pay £300 to almost every UK adult
Mastercard could be forced to pay out £300 to almost every UK adult if a £14bn class action lawsuit against the company prospers.
Zoo Digital reports flat earnings despite slightly improved revenues
Cloud-based localisation and distribution service Zoo Digital expects group revenues to be in line with expectations at $29m, up from the $28. 5m recorded last year, on the back of 5% growth in total localisation revenues to $22. 6m despite strong comparatives.
Learning Technologies acquires HR software outfit Breezy
E-learning and talent management business Learning Technologies acquired software outfit Breezy HR on Wednesday.
Europe midday: Stocks higher despite reduced expectations for Germany
Stocks are venturing into the green come midday, with news of another cut to the German government's growth forecasts being offset by unexpectedly strong readings on Chinese growth and better-than-expected results from some US corporates, including Morgan Stanley and Netflix.