Market Report
AfriAg seeks to become vertically-integrated cannabis firm through Appolon investment
AfriAg Global has entered into a conditional subscription agreement to subscribe for shares in Jamaica-focussed medicinal cannabis company Apollon Formularies, it announced on Thursday.
S&P lifts RBS's long-term credit rating to BBB
Standard&Poor's has revised its rating on Royal Bank of Scotland's long-term debt higher, arguing that its strengthened balance sheet and improved earnings have boosted the lender's ability to navigate the uncertain political and economic landscape in the UK.
Lords urge re-think on controversial HS2 project
The House of Lords weighed in on the controversial HS2 high-speed rail project on Thursday, saying it would not offer value for money to the UK, and was at risk of “short changing” the North of England.
Walmart falls short on revenues, keeping close eye on trade talks
Walmart saw first-quarter earnings come in ahead of expectations on the Street but fell short on revenues on Thursday.
Weekly US jobless claims surprise to the downside
Perhaps the most closely-followed lead indicator of joblessness in the US surprised to the downside on Thursday.
US housing starts beat forecasts in April, despite homebuilder skepticism
Residential construction activity in the States picked up more quickly than expected last month but remained below year-ago levels and there were signs of continued caution among homebuilders.
Premier Oil gains after upgrading production guidance
Premier Oil's shares jumped on Thursday after the oiler upgraded its full-year production guidance as a strong improvement from operations in the UK drove expectations higher.
European Commission fines five banks €1bn for market rigging
Five major banks have been fined a total of €1. 07bn by the European Commission on Thursday due to foreign exchange market-rigging that took place from 2007 to 2013.
Aeorema witnesses 'strong trading' in H2, driven by new business wins
Live events agency Aeorema Communications has seen 'strong trading' so far in its second trading half, with new business wins boosting its overall performance.
London could face worker shortages due to Brexit visa restrictions
London could suffer from the tougher post-Brexit immigration rules with the City left facing a shortage of workers, said business lobby London First.
Anglo Asian raises production target as profits surge
Anglo Asian Mining set a higher production target for 2018 after booming production drove profit sharply higher in 2018.
Sophos soars after results beat expectations
Sophos shares rose strongly after the cyber security company posted results ahead of expectations following a string of disappointing updates.
Genel chairman Whyte to stand down, says outfit poised for organic growth
Genel Energy chairman Stephen Whyte announced plans to step down as he reported a successful start to 2019 for the oil producer.
Europe midday: Stocks gain even as US moves to blacklist Huawei
Stocks across the Continent are advancing even after the US President threatened to block China's main telecommunications equipment providers from the US market and to cut their access to American suppliers.
US pre-open: Futures point to modest gains despite lingering trade tensions
Wall Street futures were pointing to modest gains at the open on Thursday after markets reversed their opening misfortunes to finish in the green on Wednesday.
Asia report: Markets mixed as US puts screws on Huawei
Markets in Asia were mixed on Thursday, amid a further heating of the ongoing trade war between the US and China as Washington set contentious technology giant Huawei firmly within its sights.
London midday: FTSE 100 pops higher as miners gain; Burberry slumps
London stocks had turned higher by midday on Thursday, boosted by strength in the mining sector as investors digested news that US President Trump has declared a national emergency to protect US computer networks from "foreign adversaries" - a move widely seen as targeting China’s Huawei.
Genus shares shoot higher on China collaboration
Shares in Genus surged on Thursday after the animal genetics company announced a strategic porcine collaboration in China, the world's largest pork market.
Keller Group confident despite weaker-than-expected performance
Geotechnical specialist contractor Keller Group updated the market on its trading on Thursday, reporting that its expectations for the full year remained unchanged, supported by “generally stable” market conditions.
Belvoir Lettings confident of meeting expectations after 'robust' Q1
Property franchise Belvoir Lettings told investors at its annual general meeting on Thursday that trading during the first quarter of its current financial year had been "robust".