Market Report
ASOS launches 'try before you buy' option on app
We've all done it. You buy a load of clothes online only to find they don't fit and you have to wait what seems like an eternity for the cash to make its way back into your bank account.
BT fails to impress with dividend as profits declines persist
Sales and profits both declined at BT Group in the first half, as expected, but after amid persistent challenges in some parts of the business the telecoms giant defied some doubting Thomases by maintaining its interim dividend.
Mporium appoints search guru Ohrn as chief technology officer
Event-driven marketing technology company Mporium Group announced the appointment of Aleksander Øhrn as its chief technology officer on Thursday, with immediate effect.
Europe midday: Stocks little changed, euro edges higher after BoE raises rates
Trading in European stocks continued to be little changed come midday with investors apparently unfazed by the monetary policy committee's decision to raise Bank Rate for the first time since 2007, which ironically sent Sterling sharply lower against the single currency.
Norcros agrees to buy Merlyn in £60m deal
Supplier of branded showers, taps, bathroom accessories, tiles and adhesives Norcros has agreed to acquire branded shower enclosure designer and distributor Merlyn Industries for total consideration of £60m on a debt free, cash free basis, it announced on Thursday.
Telit Communications says not being formally investigated by FCA
AIM-listed Internet-of-Things enabler Telit Communications acknowledged press speculation on Thursday that the Financial Conduct Authority is conducting an investigation into the company, insisting it is not under formal investigation.
London midday: Stocks rally as pound tumbles after 'dovish hike' from BoE
London stocks had pushed higher by midday as the pound skidded versus both the dollar and the euro after the Bank of England hiked interest rates for the first time in a decade, as widely expected.
Elektron expects to beat forecasts after strong trading
Elektron Technology predicted annual profits would come in ahead of expectations after strong trading in the third quarter.
Asia report: Most markets fall as investors eye Fed, BoE
Most markets in Asia fell on Thursday, as investors digested news from the US Federal Reserve, which chose to stand pat on interest rate targets after its latest two-day meeting on Wednesday.
Europe open: Stocks little changed ahead of White House tax plan announcement
European stocks are trading little changed ahead of the expected release of the White House's tax reform plans later in the session and Friday's all-important monthly US jobs report.
Williamson named Defence Secretary after Fallon falls on sword
Conservative MP Gavin Williamson was on Thursday named as the UK’s new Secretary of State for Defence following the resignation of Sir Michael Fallon a day earlier.
US pre-open: Stocks to nudge lower ahead of tax bill announcement
US futures pointed to a marginally lower open on Wall Street on Thursday as investors waited for President Trump to announce Fed Chair Janet Yellen's successor and for the unveiling of the House Republican tax bill.
Construction sector flatters to deceive as outlook darkens
The UK construction downturn unexpectedly eased a little last month, according to an industry survey on Thursday, though confidence in the outlook waned to almost a five-year low.
Thursday broker round-up
Standard Chartered: Deutsche Bank upgrades to Hold with a target price of 653p.
Ryanair traffic up 8% in October despite cancellations
Just days after saying it still expects to make record annual profits this year despite its rota fiasco and subsequent cancellations back in September, budget airline Ryanair reported an 8% jump in traffic for October.
Commodities: Gold higher despite firmer dollar
The dollar index, which tracks the US currency against a basket of six major rivals, added 0. 15% to 94. 696, though it remained shy of Friday's three-month high of 95. 150.
Tate & Lyle upgrades FY profit guidance after strong H1
Tate & Lyle upgraded its guidance on profit for the full year on Thursday following a strong first half, as it posted a 26% jump in pre-tax profit for the six months to 30 September.
CYBG increases PPI provision, to take £39m charge
FTSE 250 lender CYBG said on Thursday that it will recognise a £39m pre-tax charge in its full-year income statement as it increases its provisions for legacy conduct costs by £403m.
Intu Properties impresses with rent growth, but industry shock eyed
Intu Properties expects another year of rental income growth after a solid third quarter, but analysts were concerned about the potential industry "shockwaves" for the shopping centre developer by the impending discounted stake sale at a rival.
Eurozone manufacturing hits highest level since February 2011
Activity in the eurozone manufacturing sector was at its best level in more than six and a half years in October, according to data released on Friday.