Market Report
Yuan falls by most in two years after January trade data
China's currency slumped overnight after hitting a two-year high the day before, following the release of weaker than expected foreign trade data, which some investors believe may goad Beijing nearer to loosening capital controls as a means of offsetting recent strength in the yuan.
GSK's HIV asset ViiV launches major new study
ViiV Healthcare, the specialist HIV company majority owned by GlaxoSmithKline, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, announced the start of a major study on Thursday.
Sound Energy to launch three-well drilling programme in Morocco
Moroccan upstream gas company Sound Energy apprised investors of its exploration plans for the current year on Thursday after having completed an aerial gradiometry programme.
NewRiver chief executive steps down, replaced by son
David Lockhart, chief executive of real estate investment trust NewRiver, has decided to take a leave of absence from the company, citing ill health.
Tate & Lyle on track for 2018 guidance
Tate & Lyle said on Thursday that it remains on track to deliver full-year adjusted pre-tax profit at constant currency in line with guidance.
Debenhams confirms job cuts as part of store restructure
Department store group Debenhams will cut a quarter of store management roles as accelerates its restructuring plans amid the highly challenging UK retail market.
Hiscox shuffles two executives as it concentrates on global retail
Hiscox announced two senior appointments on Thursday, subject to regulatory and immigration approvals, as the board continued to ‘evolve’ the company’s management structure to build on growth momentum in its retail businesses.
Nanoco signs big manufacturing deal with US partner
Cadmium-free quantum dots and nanomaterials developer and manufacturer Nanoco Group announced on Thursday that it has signed a material development and supply agreement with a large, undisclosed US listed corporation.
Europe open: Stocks drop, US central bank, bond markets in the spotlight
Stocks are registering moderate falls with the focus squarely on Thursday's roster of US central bank speakers to gauge the outlook for the pace of rate hikes in the States, especially in the wake of recent events.
Seeing Machines grows fleet unit contract value 69%
Seeing Machines reported an uptick in total contract value from its fleet division on Thursday, as it published an update on the division, as well its rail and off-road wings ahead of the release of its interim results next month.
South Africa mines minister calls for industry to 'shape up'
Mining companies in South Africa need to "shape up" and speed transformation towards black ownership or face more pressure for nationalisation, deputy mineral resources minister Godfrey Oliphant has warned.
Sophos disappoints with slowdown in billings
Sophos disappointed investors with a slowdown in third-quarter billings to send the cyber security group’s shares down sharply on Thursday.
Thomas Cook ups bookings but faces more margin pain in Spain
Thomas Cook's financial year took off at a steady rate and said but the tour operator said the market remained highly competitive, with continued profits margin pain from increased bed costs in Spain.
QinetiQ makes solid progress in third quarter
QinetiQ Group issued a trading update for its third quarter performance on Thursday, reporting that underlying trading was as expected during the period, with the company maintaining its expectations for overall performance for FY18.
Winter Sunshine for On The Beach
Online holiday retailer On The Beach has reported a positive winter period after the collapse of airline giant Monarch in October as the company continues to push ahead with its international expansion plans.
UK housing market sees soft start to year - RICS
The UK housing market kicked off the new year much as it ended the last, with new buyer enquiries and sales drifting lower, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Ashmore AuM rise but profits drop on FX
Emerging markets asset manager Ashmore posted a rise in first-half assets under management but a drop in profit on the back of currency movements.
TalkTalk cuts dividend and earnings outlook, raises funds for fibre project
TalkTalk shares tumbled after the telecoms group cut its dividend, reduced earnings guidance and asked shareholders for £200m to strengthen its balance sheet and invest in full-fibre broadband.
London open: Super Thursday kicks off on back foot but Compass bucks trend
London stocks fell in early trade on Thursday, taking their cue from a negative close on Wall Street as investors eyed the latest minutes, rate announcement and quarterly Inflation Report from the Bank of England at midday.
BGEO acquires Georgian craft beer company
BGEO Group announced on Thursday that its banking business subsidiary, JSC Bank of Georgia, has acquired a 100% equity stake in Georgian craft beer business Black Lion.