Market Report
Joules hails 'encouraging' Q1 performance as sales drop 18%
Clothing retailer Joules reported an 18% decline in first-quarter group revenue on Wednesday but said this was an "encouraging" performance against a tough backdrop.
Bigblu subsidiary wins Lincolnshire broadband tender
Bigblu Broadband announced on Wednesday that its subsidiary Quickline Communications has won a competitive tender to provide fixed wireless access to premises across Lincolnshire that are unable to access fast and reliable internet connectivity.
Uniphar acquires Diligent Health Solutions in $27m deal
Uniphar announced the acquisition of the US-based Diligent Health Solutions on Wednesday, in a deal worth up to $27m (£21. 21m).
Huawei claims Qualcomm applied for license to sell chips
Huawei claimed on Wednesday that Qualcomm had applied for a US government license to sell its chips to the Chinese tech giant.
Johnson & Johnson launches phase three clinical trial for Covid-19 vaccine candidate
US consumer health and drugs giant Johnson & Johnson has launched the last phase of clinical trials for its Covid-19 vaccine.
US pre-open: Futures higher ahead of Powell's second day of testimony
Wall Street futures were pointing to a positive open on Wednesday amid heightened restrictions to stem Covid-19 cases in Europe and an ongoing stalemate in negotiations for a second stimulus bill.
Europe midday: Shares shrug off weak eurozone PMI data
European stocks continued their recovery on Wednesday after sharp sell-offs on earlier in the week, despite a small tightening of Covid-19 restrictions in the UK and PMI readings in the eurozone area showing stalling demand.
UK's post-lockdown recovery loses momentum in September
The UK’s post-lockdown recovery lost momentum in September, according to figures released on Wednesday.
London midday: Stocks extend gains despite disappointing PMIs
London stocks had extended gains by midday on Wednesday as investors brushed aside news that the UK’s post-lockdown recovery was losing steam.
Warpaint H1 losses widen as Covid-19 dents revenues
Cosmetics company Warpaint London reported a widening of its losses in the first half as it took a hit from the pandemic, but declared an interim dividend thanks to "good cash control".
Hardide set to end year in line with expectations
Surface coating technology company Hardide said on Wednesday that it was expecting to report revenues of £4. 7m for the year ending 30 June, and an EBITDA loss of £0. 5m.
Ilika signs agreement with UK Battery Industrialisation Centre
Solid-state battery technology company Ilika announced the signing of a framework agreement with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) on Wednesday, for the production of ‘Goliath’ solid-state pouch cells.
St James House upbeat on payments division improvements
St James House updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, reporting that its payments division saw non-card related sterling and euro activity holding steady through August.
Xeros narrows losses as licensees delay launch plans
Clothing and fabrics technology company Xeros announced a 59. 8% reduction in its adjusted EBITDA loss in its first half on Wednesday, to £3. 0m, as it confirmed its licensees had delayed some market launch plans.
Asia report: Most markets higher, RBNZ stands pat on rates
Markets in Asia finished mostly higher on Wednesday, as investors digested the latest comments from the chair of the US Federal Reserve, and New Zealand’s central bank stood pat on interest rates.
SDI Group makes 'good start' to trading year
Scientific and technology products manufacturer SDI Group said on Wednesday that it had made a "good start" to the new financial year.
Zoo Digital sees double-digit interim revenue growth
Localisation and digital distribution services provider Zoo Digital said on Wednesday that it expects to deliver double-digit revenue growth in the six-months ended 30 September.
Hornby 'nearly back to normal' following Covid-19 disruptions
Model railway brand Hornby said on Wednesday that operations were "nearly back to normal" following interruptions stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Europe open: Shares continue rally as investors eye PMIs
European stocks continued their recovery on Wednesday after sharp sell-offs on earlier in the week, as investors eyed eurozone PMIs and despite a small tightening of restrictions in the UK and concerns other European countries will follow suit.
London open: Stocks rise after US gains, ahead of PMIs
London stocks rose on Wednesday, taking their cue from technology-led gains on Wall Street as investors eyed the latest readings on the UK manufacturing and services sectors.