Market Report
Scottish Mortgage, Rentokil Initial join FTSE 100 as Dixons Carphone, Capita drop out
Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and Rentokil Initial have been promoted to the FTSE 100 index as part of a quarterly reshuffle, with Dixons Carphone and Capita dropping out after falls in their share price in recent months.
Sector movers: Cyclicals get Trump boost, but some economists wary
Cyclicals were again at the top of the leaderboard with US-exposed CRH leading the advance one more.
House of Lords rejects Brexit bill
The House of Lords voted down the government's Brexit bill in its current form.
US oil stocks rise moderately in latest week, EIA says
US oil stocks rose moderately last week, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Europe close: Investors react to Trump speech, reflation trade on again
European stocks shot higher, buoyed by continuing speculation of higher government spending in the states with a weaker euro on expectations of a March US interest rate hike to boot.
FX round-up: Sterling falls on renewed Brexit jitters as Trump helps dollar higher
Sterling had a torrid time on most key crosses Wednesday as rejuvenated Brexit jitters, weaker than expected manufacturing data and a US President Donald Trump-inspired rise in the dollar told against it.
Wells Fargo to cut bonuses for top executives after account scandal
The top executives of US bank Wells Fargo will have their bonuses cut as the lender attempts to restore customer confidence following an accounting scandal which saw it fined $185m by regulatory bodies.
Commodities: Gold tumbles after Trump infrastructure pledge, rising rate-hike expectations
Gold tumbled as traders donned rose-tinted glasses and sold safe-haven assets after US President Donald Trump's policy-light speech to Congress, lapping up his pledge to spend $1trn rebuilding the US's infrastructure and the prospect of another US rate rise.
London close: 'Trump effect' heaves FTSE to record closing highs as global equities surge
London, Europe and US stock markets got a hefty heave higher Wednesday on the back of US President Donald Trump's $1trn infrastructure pledge to Congress last night, with the prospect of a US rates hike in March also a factor in traders' optimism.
US open: Dow tops 21k as markets buoyed by expected rate hike, Trump speech
The Dow surpassed the 21,000 mark for the first time on Wednesday as US equity markets were buoyed by an expected March interest rate hike and a more conciliatory tone from President Donald Trump yesterday when he addressed Congress, while the dollar gained.
Carillion revenue increases as it aims to reduce net borrowing
Facilities manager Carillion’s revenue in 2016 increased led by growth in support services, while the company aims to reduce its net borrowing in the medium-term.
ValiRx raises £1.16m in placing
Clinical stage biotechnology company ValiRx announced a placing to raise £1. 16m on Wednesday.
FTSE 250 movers: Zoopla owner zooms; IPF gloomy
Shares in ZPG, the owner of property websites Zoopla and PrimeLocation, lef the FTSE 250 risers after the company on Wednesday said it had bought Expert Agent, a software provider for estate agents, for an undisclosed fee.
Thursday preview: Messy numbers from Capita and Cobham expected
As well as some "messy" post-profit warning results from the likes of Capita and Cobham for investors to pore over, traders also have UK construction PMI and eurozone inflation data to keep them interested through the day.
BATM expecting cash inflow in final results
Real-time networking solutions and medical laboratory systems provider BATM Advanced Communications updated the market on its trading for the year to 31 December on Wednesday, ahead of announcing its final results for the period on 8 March.
Government launches huge 'Digital Strategy' for post-Brexit growth
Westminster announced the launch of more than four million digital skills training opportunities on Wednesday, as part of a ‘Digital Strategy’ which it hoped would encourage the launch and growth of technology-based businesses in Britain.
ISM manufacturing tops estimates in February
Growth in the US manufacturing sector improved more than expected in February, according to the Institute for Supply Management.
Creo Medical Group joins European stem-cell cancer project
Medical device company Creo Medical Group said it was taking part in a European programme researching a stem-cell cancer treatment for brain tumours.
Bodycote shares fall as JPMorgan downgrades to 'neutral'
FTSE 250 constituent Bodycote was down more than 2% on Wednesday after US investment bank JPMorgan Chase lowered its recommendation to 'neutral' from 'overweight'.
Broker tips: South32, easyJet, Next, Bodycote
Shares in South 32 were on the front foot on Wednesday after HSBC upgraded the base metal and coal miner to 'buy' from 'hold' and left its price target unchanged at 185p, following suggestions that it will execute a share buyback programme in the first half.