Market Report
FTSE 250 movers: Hastings boosted by UBS note; Crest Nicholson drops
London's FTSE 250 was down 0. 1% to 18,976. 14 in afternoon trade.
FTSE 100 movers: Smiths rallies on results; Next gives back some gains
London's FTSE 100 was flat at 7,341. 06 in afternoon trade, as investors looked to a key vote on a healthcare bill in the US.
BNN Technology expands partnership with Arsenal
Chinese content services firm BNN Technology has expanded its three-year partnership with Arsenal Football Club.
Federal Reserve in better position to stop balance sheet reinvestment, Bullard says
The US central bank may now be in a better position to stop reinvesting the proceeds of its assets in acquiring new ones, a top member of the Federal Reserve said.
UBS adjusts ratings on UK motor insurers after Ogden change
UBS adjusted its ratings on UK motor insurers on Friday to reflect changes to the Ogden discount rate used to calculate lump sum payouts for personal injury claims, which was recently cut to -0. 75% from 2. 5%.
US business activity expands at slowest pace in six months in March
Business activity in the US expanded at its slowest pace since September 2016 in March, according to data released on Friday.
RBC upgrades Provident Financial to 'outperform'
RBC Capital Markets upgraded Provident Financial to 'outperform' from 'sector perform' and upped the price target to 3,200p from 3,000p, saying risks were to the upside ahead of the upcoming capital markets day.
NMC Health completes $560m acquisition of UAE hospital
NMC Health has completed the acquisition of Al Zahra Hospital in the United Arab Emirates for 2,058m dirhams ($560m).
National Grid a good 'hedge against Trump rally', JPMorgan says
National Grid has a strong investment case as its earnings momentum accelerates and represents a hedge to a reversal of the ‘Trump’ rally, JPMorgan Cazenove said on Friday.
Results round-up: Smiths Group, AFC Energy
As it makes early progress with a new strategy, engineer Smiths Group reported improved revenues in the second quarter and an unchanged full year outlook.
Broker tips: National Grid, Restaurant Group, SSE, motor insurers
National Grid has a strong investment case as its earnings momentum accelerates and represents a hedge to a reversal of the ‘Trump’ rally, JPMorgan Cazenove said on Friday.
Robots to replace 30% of UK jobs over next two decades - PwC
Up to 30% of jobs in the UK could be replaced by automation by the 2030s, according to new research, affecting industries such as transportation, manufacturing and retail the most.
London midday: Stocks ebb as investors eye US healthcare vote
Equity markets in London were a touch weaker by midday as the delay to a key healthcare vote in the US raised doubts about Donald Trump's ability to deliver on other aspects of his agenda.
Bad broadband service to be automatically compensated under Ofcom plan
Landline and broadband customers suffering from slow repairs, missed deadlines and cancelled appointments would soon be seeing automatic reprieve under proposed rules announced by Ofcom on Friday.
Minoan hopeful Greek media reports are accurate
Minoan was forced to respond to reports in the Greek media on Friday, after a number of outlets stated the appeals against the Presidential Decree granting land use approval for the company’s project in Crete had been rejected by the Greek Supreme Court.
BBA's consumer credit slowdown likely to relieve Bank of England
UK consumer borrowing in the form of personal loans and overdrafts slowed in February, according to data from the British Bankers Association, which tied in with the slowing retail spending reported this week.
Europe midday: Stocks fall but euro gains on better-than-expected PMI data
On the eve of the European Union’s 60th anniversary, European stocks were on the back foot after a key vote on a US healthcare bill was postponed, but the euro strengthened after data showed the eurozone's recovery had gained momentum.
Friday broker round-up
The Restaurant Group: Berenberg downgrades to Sell with a target price of 300p.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Samsung bosses reject new structure
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Friday, as Samsung Electronics held a shareholder meeting without Jay Lee, and a key healthcare vote was delayed in the US.
Inflation surge does not automatically mean rates will rise, BoE's Vlieghe says
Even an acceleration in consumer prices to 3. 5% might not justify a hike in Bank Rate, a top Bank of England official said, unless it is accompanied by growth in wages.