Market Report
Oxford Instruments to sell division to Hitachi High-Technologies
High technology solutions, information and services provider Oxford Instruments announced on Wednesday that it had agreed to sell its Industrial Analysis business to Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation (HHT) for a consideration of £80m on a cash and debt free basis.
BoJ preview: Policy changes unlikely, yen seen higher
The Bank of Japan was likely to refrain from announcing any changes to the settings for its main policy levers on Thursday at its next meeting given the risk that inflation would remain far from its target, analysts at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch said.
Glanbia to sell 60% stake in Irish dairy business
Glanbia is to sell a 60% stake in its Irish dairy business, to Glanbia Co-operative Society for €112m.
Crawshaw Group enters into supply chain deal with 2 Sisters Food Group
Shares in Crawshaw Group tumbled after the butcher announced it has entered into a supply chain partnership with 2 Sisters Food Group, one of Europe's largest meat and food producers.
Results round-up: GlaxoSmithKline, Redefine International
GlaxoSmithKline's new chief executive Emma Walmsley reported a strong first set of quarterly results, as the drug group grew sales better than forecast, improved profit margins and kept its dividend on track.
Broker tips: Bellway, Savills, Merlin Entertainments, Sky, oil companies, Severn Trent
Peel Hunt upgraded Bellway to 'add' from 'hold' and went the other way on Savills as it took a look at UK housebuilders and estate agents.
Mnuchin confirms plans to slash US corporate tax rate to 15%
The White House is planning the biggest reduction in taxes ever, the US Treasury Secretary confirmed on Wednesday.
Merlin Entertainment hotels could lift share price to 800p - Morgan Stanley
The plan by Merlin Entertainments to add hotels to their theme parks is underappreciated by the market, said Morgan Stanley on Wednesday as it set a bullish share price target for the years ahead.
Walker Greenbank FY profit rises, divi bumped up
Luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank posted a jump in full-year profit and upped its dividend on Wednesday.
Petards order book strong, chairman tells investors
Investors in security and surveillance system software developer Petards were gathering in Guildford, Surrey on Wednesday morning for the company’s annual general meeting, with chairman Raschid Abdullah confirming a previously-flagged significant order.
Metro Bank disappoints despite record deposit growth
Metro Bank welcomed record deposits and grew lending 11% in the first quarter but its key net interest margin slipped slightly.
Fox Marble signs first Turkey supply deal
Kosovo and Balkans-focussed marble quarrying and finishing company Fox Marble announced on Wednesday that it entered into a minimum €0. 4m sales agreement with Simsekler Mermer Company, one of Turkey's largest natural stone groups, to supply its IIIirico Selene and Sivec marble product.
Asia report: Markets higher amid strong earnings and Trump tax excitement
Markets in Asia were higher on Wednesday, taking their cue from Wall Street overnight as trader attention turned towards the looming tax reforms promised by US President Donald Trump, alongside a slew of strong earnings in the region.
Drax Group completes $35m acquisition of Louisiana Pellets
Electrical power generation company Drax Group has completed the acquisition of Louisiana Pellets for $35. 4m, following a court hearing to approve the result of an auction.
London midday: Stocks drift ahead of Trump's 'big announcement' on tax
London stocks were drifting sideways by midday as investors sifted through corporate news and held off from making any big bets either way ahead of US President Donald Trump's announcement on tax reform.
Europe midday: Stocks flat as investors eye US tax announcement, ECB comments
European equities struggled to hold on to previous gains and were little changed by midday as investors looked to a potential tax reform announcement in the US later in the day and the European Central Bank’s press conference on Thursday.
Standard Chartered Q1 profit nearly doubles to $1bn
Emerging markets-focused bank Standard Chartered reported a near doubling of its first-quarter profits on Wednesday as revenue rose and loan impairment declined.
RBS, HSBC Saudi units studying possible merger
HSBC and RBS´s partially-owned Saudi units were exploring a potential merger which would result in the creation of the Kingdom's third-largest lender.
Santander shares slip despite beating first quarter forecasts
Spain's largest lender posted better-than-expected quarterly profits thanks to a strong performance in almost all regions - especially in Brazil, UK and Spain - and a drop in its non-performing loan ratio.
US pre-open: Stocks seen touch higher as focus turns to Trump's tax plans
US futures pointed to a marginally firmer open on Wall Street on Wednesday as investors awaited a speech on tax reform by President Donald Trump.