Market Report
Improved political outlook boosts housing market - RICS
Greater political clarity following December’s general election has helped boost sentiment across the UK’s property market, a key survey showed on Thursday.
Europe close: Stocks dip ahead of US-China trade deal signing
Stocks on the Continent traded slightly lower on Wednesday as investors sat on their hands ahead of the signing of the US-China trade deal scheduled for later in the day.
London close: Stocks end on mixed note as US and China ink trade deal
London stocks finished on a mixed note as investors mulled the latest UK inflation figures and looked ahead to the signing of the 'phase one' trade deal between the US and China later in the day.
Director dealings: Billington Holdings' Ospelt lowers stake via Gutenga Investments
Billington Holdings revealed on Wednesday that Gutenga Investments, a company connected to non-executive director Alexander Ospelt, had offloaded 50,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed construction firm.
Broker tips: RBS, TalkTalk, Capita, Aston Martin Lagonda
Royal Bank of Scotland was under the cosh on Wednesday after Barclays downgraded its stance on the shares to ‘underweight’ from ‘equalweight’.
Advanced Medical Solutions ends year in line with revised forecasts
Surgical and advanced wound care specialist company Advanced Medical Solutions Group updated the market on its trading for the year ended 31 December on Wednesday, reporting that its financial results for the year were in line with revised consensus forecasts, with profits slightly above consensus and sales, impacted by sterling appreciation in the fourth quarter, which was slightly below consensus.
Amur Minerals submits environmental assessment for Kun-Manie
Russia-focussed nickel-copper sulphide exploration and development company Amur Minerals Corporation announced on Wednesday that the baseline environmental assessment (BLEA) for its Kun-Manie nickel copper sulphide project was now complete, and had been filed and approved by the necessary Russian Federation agencies.
FTSE 250 movers: Provident Financial powers ahead; Aston Martin retreats
London’s FTSE 250 was down 0. 2% at 21,715. 83 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Immotion heads for breakeven as it signs up new sites
Out-of-home virtual reality entertainment company Immotion Group has signed contracts in the past week with the London Eye, a further four aquariums and with its first European zoo partner, it announced on Wednesday.
FTSE 100 movers: Pearson rallies ahead of update; RBS hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was flat at 7,624. 50 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Franchise Brands shares up after solid end to year
Multi-brand franchising group Franchise Brands updated the market on its trading for the year ended 31 December on Wednesday, reporting that it was expecting revenue and profits to be at least in line with consensus market expectations, which would represent significant growth over the prior year.
US open: Dow crosses 29,000 point barrier ahead of trade deal signing
Wall Street trading began on a positive note on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones breaking the 29,000 point barrier as investors awaited the signing of Washington and Beijing's "phase one" trade agreement.
Aston Martin needs to raise 'at least' £400m of fresh equity, says Jefferies
Aston Martin Lagonda was under pressure on Wednesday as Jefferies said the luxury car maker would need to raise "at least" £400m of fresh equity.
UK house prices gather pace - ONS
Prices in the UK housing market gathered pace in the build-up to the general election, with those in the capital ticking upwards for the first time after nearly two years of weak growth.
Empire State index edges past forecasts in January
A closely-followed gauge of factory sector conditions in the jurisdiction on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York continued to outperform national manufacturing sector gauges like that from the Institute for Supply Management.
YouGov brings forward completion of SMG acquisition after 'strong' performance
Research and data analytics company YouGov announced a variation to the terms of its acquisition of SMG Insight on Wednesday, which was initially announced on 24 May 2018.
IronRidge Resources shares rise on latest drilling results from Zaranou
Africa-focussed mineral exploration company IronRidge Resources reported on Wednesday that multiple high-grade and broad gold intersections had been returned from initial drilling assay results from the Zaranou Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire.
Everyman reports record annual sales
Cinema operator Everyman Media Group reported record group sales for the year ended 2 January on Wednesday thanks to an increased market share and higher average ticket prices.
US final demand prices rise slightly less than forecast in December
Producer prices in the States rose a tad less quickly than anticipated last month due to the drag from trade services prices.
IAG lodges complaint with EU over Flybe rescue
British Airways owner IAG has complained to the European Union about the UK government’s decision to rescue struggling regional carrier Flybe.