Market Report
Facebook begins to roll out fake news alert tool
Facebook began its push against the tide of fake news in earnest on Thursday, as the social media giant rolled out a third-party developed fact checking tool which would alert a user if shared content was ‘disputed’.
Eddie Stobart Logistics plans AIM float to accelerate growth
Eddie Stobart Logistics has confirmed it plans to float on London's junior market next month to raise £130m to accelerate organic growth and make acquisitions.
Gfinity signs HP as official partner of first esports tournament
Esports operator Gfinity announced OMEN by HP as its first official partner of the inaugural esports tournament, the Gfinity Elite Series, on Thursday.
Secure Trust Bank posts record total group profit
Secure Trust Bank announced a record total group profit after tax of £137. 5m for the year to 31 December on Thursday.
US new home sales rise more than expected in February
Sales of new US single-family homes rose more than expected in February, according to official data released on Thursday.
Results round-up: Next, Ted Baker, GVC, Kier Group
Clothes retailer Next reported underlying annual profits fell for the first time in eight years and warned 2017 will be "another tough year" due to a shift away from spending on clothing and a squeeze on UK wages.
Broker tips: Tullow Oil, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Standard Chartered
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets downgraded Tullow Oil on concerns about the oil and gas explorer's bid to shrink its debt burden through a rights issue.
Craneware wins sizeable contract extension from US hospital operator
Craneware which is specialises in software for healthcare billing, has won a “significant” contract extension from a US hospital operator.
Retail sales remain below seasonal trends, CBI finds
Retail sales picked up more than expected up until mid-March, the CBI found in a monthly Distributive Trades survey that backed up earlier official figures but did not fill economic experts with much optimism.
London midday: Stocks flat but pound pops higher after retail sales
Equity markets in London were little changed by midday, but sterling popped higher following the release of better-than-expected retail sales figures.
Jaywing launches in Australia
UK data science-led marketing company Jaywing has launched its brand in Australia to fast-track local growth and expand its service offering.
US initial jobless claims unexpectedly rise
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
UK retail sales bounce back firmly after three-month lull
UK retail sales in February proved much stronger than the market was expecting, sending sterling surging higher on Thursday but unlikely to prevent GDP growth from slowing in the first quarter.
Franchise Brands to buy drains specialist Metro Rod
Franchise Brands has struck a deal to buy drain clearance and maintenance service provider Metro Rod for £28m, which will be partly funded from a £20m discounted equity placing.
Berenberg downgrades Standard Chartered over restructuring concerns
London analysts at Berenberg bank downgraded Standard Chartered to a ‘hold’ rating based on the ongoing restructuring programme at the bank, as well as concerns about the need to restart its capital return.
Asia report: Most markets higher as RBNZ stands pat on rates
Markets in Asia finished mostly higher on Thursday, after a mixed session in the US overnight as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand stood pat on interest rates.
Europe midday: Stocks slightly higher although Trump concerns remain
European stocks were slightly higher on Thursday despite investors' concerns about US president Donald Trump’s economic plans.
Next profits shrink as pursuit of clothing trends hits sales
Clothes retailer Next reported underlying annual profits fell for the first time in eight years and warned 2017 will be "another tough year" due to a shift away from spending on clothing and a squeeze on UK wages.
US pre-open: Stocks seen touch higher ahead of Yellen speech, healthcare vote
US futures pointed to a marginally firmer open on Wall Street as investors eyed a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and a key vote on a healthcare bill.
Ideagen to buy software firm for up to £12m
Information management software provider Ideagen is to buy software firm PleaseTech for up to £12m on a cash and debt-free basis, which will be partly funded from an equity placing.