Market Pulse
London close: Stocks dip despite more upbeat data around the globe
London stocks were a touch weaker on Thursday, with better-than-expected retail sales figures failing to provide a boost as traders were in holiday mode ahead of the long Easter weekend.
Director dealings: Schroders CFO offloads shares
Schroders chief financial officer Richard Keers disposed of 24,181 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100-listed global investment manager on Thursday.
Europe close: Stocks rise on positive data in Germany and France, Italian shares lag behind
Stocks on the Continent continued pushing forward going into the Easter break, as survey readings for France and Germany printed ahead of economists' forecasts, although data for the euro area as a whole were termed "disappointing" by some economists.
Jadestone Energy revenue soars on production increase
Jadestone Energy on Thursday reported an annual loss, though its revenues more than doubled following an increase in production and on the back of higher oil prices.
Debenhams CEO Sergio Bucher steps down
Debenhams said on Thursday that chief executive officer Sergio Bucher has decided to leave the company following its refinancing.
Broker tips: Countryside Properties, JD Sports
JPMorgan Cazenove upped its stance on Countryside Properties to 'neutral' from 'underweight' on Thursday following the stock's year-to-date underperformance and a reassuring update on the earnings outlook a day earlier.
Credit Suisse ups target price on JD Sports
Analysts at Credit Suisse upped their target price on retailer JD Sports from 500p to 680p on Thursday, noting that profit contributions from the recently acquired US sneaker chain Finish Line looked set to triple over the next half a decade.
Canada's Canopy Growth to buy Acreage for $3.4bn
Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth has agreed to buy US-based Acreage for $3. 4bn when the production and sale of cannabis becomes legal in the US.
US open: Mixed start to trading, slate of IPOs in focus
Wall Street trading began on a mixed note with investors in a slate of flotations hoping for a 'good Thursday' ahead of the Easter break even as more earnings releases rolled in.
FTSE 100 movers: Unilever rallies on results; BAE goes ex-div
London's FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% at 7,458. 27 in afternoon trade on Thursday as holiday mode kicked in ahead of the long Easter break.
Philly Fed index slips in April, even as new orders jump back
Factory activity in the US mid-Atlantic region slowed in April, according to the results of one of the most closely-followed surveys covering the sector.
88 Energy progresses with farm-out discussions
Oil and gas outfit 88 Energy continued its conventional farm-out campaign for its Icewine project during the first quarter of the year, with the deadline for bids extended to 31 January due to demand from multiple parties.
'Robust' increase in March US retail sales
The American consumer recovered the spring in his step last month, with retail sales rising at their fastest clip since September 2017 as they splashed out on cars and at gasoline stations in particular.
Venture Life climbs as Dentyl acquisition aids revenue growth
Venture Life Group's shares soared on Thursday after the company reported double-digit annual profit and revenue growth following its acquisition of Dentyl.
JPMorgan upgrades Countryside Properties after reassuring update
JPMorgan Cazenove upped its stance on Countryside Properties to 'neutral' from 'underweight' on Thursday following the stock's year-to-date underperformance and a reassuring update on the earnings outlook a day earlier.
US pre-open: Stocks seen touch lower as earnings roll in
US stock futures pointed to a slightly weaker open on Wall Street on Thursday as more earnings releases rolled in ahead of the Easter break.
London midday: Stocks sag despite better retail sales data
London stocks were still a touch weaker by midday on Thursday, with better-than-expected retail sales figures failing to provide a boost as traders were in holiday mode ahead of the long Easter weekend.
First Derivatives trades in line following strong second half
IT services management outfit First Derivatives continued to trade strongly in the second half of the financial year, leading the group to reiterate its guidance.
RWS revenues hit record levels
Language support service company RWS performed strongly during the first half of its trading year, with record revenues and improved profits.
Silence Therapeutics makes Rob Quinn permanent CFO
Biotechnology company Silence Therapeutics said it had appointed Rob Quinn to take over as its full-time chief financial officer, effective immediately.