Market Report
Vianet trades in line with board expecting maintained dividend
Actionable data and business insights provider Vianet Group updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, reporting that trading in the second half of the year was largely as anticipated and, as a result, its full-year profits would be broadly in line with market expectations and ahead of last year's outturn of £3. 32m.
Hostel operator Safestay has 'most successful year ever'
Safestay issued its final results for the year ended 31 December on Wednesday, reporting growth of 43% in total revenues to £10. 5m, including acquisitions it made in 2017.
Global financial stability risks remain elevated, IMF says
The International Monetary Fund warned in its Financial Stability Report on Wednesday that medium-term financial stability risks remained "elevated", with the vulnerabilities which had built-up over recent years possibly paving the way for a "bumpy" road ahead - which could put growth at risk.
Credit Suisse ups AA to 'neutral', says risk/reward balanced
The risk/reward for roadside assistance and breakdown cover provider and insurer AA is now balanced, according to Credit Suisse, which upped its rating on the stock to 'neutral' from 'underperform' and hiked the price target to 130p from 80p.
IFG Group shakes up boardroom following exit from non-UK operations
Financial services company IFG Group has completely revamped its boardroom following a successful exit from its non-UK operations in order to focus on on the "attractive and growing UK wealth management and intermediary platform markets".
Telford Homes profit to surge as it focusses on build-to-rent
London-focussed residential property developer Telford Homes updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, saying it anticipated record revenue and profit for the year ended 31 March.
Scancell acquires novel antibodies from University of Nottingham
Novel immunotherapies developer Scancell Holdings has entered into an agreement with the University of Nottingham, it announced on Wednesday, to acquire a number of novel monoclonal antibodies to tumour-associated glycans.
Asia report: Markets finish stronger after solid US session overnight
Asian markets were in the green as they closed on Wednesday, as investors took their lead from a solid session on Wall Street overnight, which itself was boosted by a strong earnings season in the US.
Volatility boosts Morgan Stanley's first quarter trading income
Morgan Stanley clocked-in with its best quarterly earnings performance in 10 years on Wednesday, as volatility in global capital markets saw its trading revenues jump by nearly a fifth.
IBM shares fall after first-quarter results disappoint
IBM shares fell after profit margins shrank and underlying revenue flatlined in the first quarter, suggesting slow progress in its shift towards more profitable businesses.
Ofcom launches investigations into Russia's RT network
The UK's communications watchdog has launched seven new investigations into Russian international television network RT regarding the due impartiality of its news and current affairs programming.
Europe midday: Shares off lows on US corporate results, but some analysts cautious
Stocks are moving off their lows of the session helped by positive corporate results overseas, despite further weak prints on levels of economic activity in the euro area.
IG Design margins improve with record European performance
Giftware firm IG Design improved both gross and net margins in its most recent trading year, leading the group to project a full year of "overall progress and financial performance" as it had expected.
Relx reaffirms full-year outlook
Relx, formerly Reed Elsevier, reaffirmed its outlook for the full year on Wednesday.
US pre-open: Stocks to rise as Morgan Stanley earnings impress; IBM set to slump
US futures pointed to a positive open on Wall Street on Wednesday following solid earnings from banking giant Morgan Stanley.
Hunting's revenues hold steady across first quarter
After a good start to the year in North America, energy services group Hunting saw full year results for 2018 reaching the upper half of previous guidance.
London midday: Stocks up, pound down as inflation data casts doubt over BoE hike
London stocks extended gains by midday on Wednesday as the pound took a hit from the latest round of inflation data, which raised doubts over a rate hike by the Bank of England next month.
De La Rue remains 'cautious' after losing UK passport tender
British banknote manufacturer De La Rue told investors to expect a 6% increase in revenues from its recently ended trading year but remained "cautious" about its outturn for 2018 after losing Britain's passport tender back in March.
London house prices register first annual fall since 2009
London property prices have registered their first year-on-year fall since 2009 when the economy was in recession after the financial crisis.
UK inflation falls faster than expected, sending pound tumbling
UK inflation has fallen more than expected to its lowest level in a year, casting doubt over whether the Bank of England will hike interest rates at all this year.