Market Pulse
London close: Stocks mixed as Bailey hints at rate cuts
London's stock markets closed in a mixed state on Friday as investors weighed optimistic retail sales data against remarks from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey.
Alba reports progress at Clogau-St David's Gold Mine
Alba Mineral Resources updated the market on its activities at the Lower Llechfraith workings within the Clogau-St David's Gold Mine in north Wales on Friday, and advancements across the broader Dolgellau Gold Belt.
Zephyr starts drilling activities at Paradox Basin well
Rocky Mountains-focussed oil and gas operator Zephyr Energy announced the start of drilling activities at the State 36-2R well at its primary project in Utah's Paradox Basin on Friday.
Trakm8 shares slide as it lowers expectations
Shares in fleet management, insurance telematics and connected vehicle technology specialist Trakm8 were sliding on Friday, after it warned that the conclusion of a large contract deal would slip into next financial year.
Cadence Minerals upbeat on capex optimisation work
Cadence Minerals announced the culmination of its capital expenditure optimisation programme at the Amapá Iron Ore Project on Friday, marking a significant milestone towards operational efficiency and sustainability.
Light Science Technologies enters Defra-funded collaboration
Light Science Technologies announced its participation in a 12-month collaboration funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Innovate UK's Transforming Food Production Challenge on Friday, with a total value of £0. 23nm.
Billington order book at record high with six new contracts
Structural steel and construction safety specialist Billington announced the acquisition of six significant contracts on Friday, with a cumulative value of £90m.
Tesla cuts production at China plant - report
Tesla has reportedly cut production at its plant in China amid sluggish growth in electric vehicle sales and intense competition in the world’s biggest auto market.
FTSE 100 movers: Phoenix Group rallies; JD Sports slumps on Nike results
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 6% at 7,930. 40 in afternoon trade on Friday.
Roadside Real Estate joint venture buys third property
Roadside Real Estate announced Friday that it has completed its third acquisition under its joint venture with Meadow Partners, focussed on UK-based roadside real estate assets.
Gemfields set to swing to loss in 2023
Coloured gemstone specialist Gemfields said in a trading update on Friday that its two primary operating assets, Kagem and MRM, contributed revenues of $89. 9m and $151. 4m respectively in 2023, a slight decrease from the prior year.
Paddy Clanwilliam resigns from Angus Energy board
Angus Energy announced the resignation of Patrick ‘Paddy’ Clanwilliam from his position as non-executive chairman on Friday.
Elliott Management takes 5% stake in Scottish Mortgage
US activist investor Elliott Management has taken a 5% stake in Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust.
London midday: Stocks push higher after dovish Bailey, retail sales
London stocks had pushed higher by midday on Friday as investors mulled better-than-expected retail sales data and dovish remarks by Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey.
US pre-open: Stocks seen muted after record gains
US stocks looked set for a muted open on Friday following record highs a day earlier as rate-cut hopes buoyed sentiment.
Asia report: Japan markets rise on mixed day for region
Stocks in the Asia-Pacific region closed on a mixed note on Friday, as Japan's Nikkei 225 briefly surged past the 41,000 mark before giving up some gains by the close.
888 shares rise as Gambling Commission finishes licence review
Gambling operator 888 Holdings announced on Friday that it has received notice from the Gambling Commission that it had completed its review of the group's operating licences under the Gambling Act 2005.
German business sentiment improves in March - Ifo
German business sentiment improved in March, according to a survey released on Friday by the Ifo Institute.
RBC Capital downgrades St James's Place, slashes price target
RBC Capital Markets downgraded St James’s Place on Friday to ‘sector perform’ from ‘outperform’ and slashed the price target to 500p from 900p.
Phoenix Group jumps on strong results as it sets out strategy
Phoenix Group announced robust set of results for 2023 on Friday, with total cash generation of £2. 024bn exceeding its upgraded target of £1. 8bn for the year.