Market Report
Europe close: Stocks shake off early losses
European shares managed to finish higher on Thursday after a sharp sell-off on Wall Street during the preceding session, as investors continued to fret about more contagious variants of the coronavirus.
London close: Stocks finish mixed as Reddit-fuelled frenzy calms
London stocks finished in a mixed state on Thursday, as worries about the Covid-19 pandemic and the vaccine rollout dented sentiment.
EU considers legal means if Covid-19 vaccines delayed, Council President says
The European Union should explore legal means to secure supplies of Covid-19 vaccines if companies do not deliver them on time and if negotiations with pharmaceutical companies prove unsuccessful, the European Council President, Charles Michel, said on Thursday.
Covid-19 takes its toll on US new home sales in December
New home sales in the US rose a bit less quickly than expected at the end of 2020 as the rising number of Covid-19 infections took its toll.
Broker tips: Aveva, Entain, Fresnillo
Jefferies upgraded its stance on shares of Aveva on Thursday to 'buy' from 'hold' and hiked the price target to 4,500. 0p from 4,000. 0p.
Director dealings: Sanne chairman ups stake
Sanne Group revealed on Thursday that chairman Rupert Robson had acquired 12,239 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed alternative asset services firm.
Haydale Graphene signs sales deal with ENO in China
Advanced materials company Haydale Graphene has signed a sales representation agreement with Qinhuangdao ENO High-Tech Material Development Company, it announced on Thursday.
Getech appoints Richard Bennett as new chair
Energy data and software company Getech announced on Thursday that, following an external recruitment process, Richard Bennett would join its board as non-executive director and chairman-designate, with immediate effect.
Xtract Resources upbeat on latest drilling at Racecourse
Xtract Resources updated the market on Thursday on the second hole in the first phase of diamond drilling at the Racecourse Mineral Resource on the Bushranger porphyry copper-gold exploration project, in the Lachlan Fold Belt of New South Wales, Australia.
Phoenix Copper makes progress at Empire Mine
North America-focussed base and precious metals company Phoenix Copper updated the market on the Empire Mine on Thursday, reporting that the optimisation of the mine’s open pit economic model and feasibility study was now “materially advanced”.
Germany recommends AstraZeneca vaccine only for use in those under 65 years
German health officials recommended only administering the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University to people under the age of 65, citing "insufficient data".
FTSE 250 movers: Airlines fly higher; Cineworld retreats
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 3% at 20,329. 47 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
Berenberg lowers target price on Fresnillo
Analysts at Berenberg cut their target price on mining outfit Fresnillo to 1,000. 0p from 1,200. 0p on Thursday following some disappointing guidance.
Jefferies upgrades Aveva to 'buy'
Jefferies upgraded its stance on shares of Aveva on Thursday to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ and hiked the price target to 4,500p from 4,000p .
US open: Stocks rally following sharp sell-off in previous session
Wall Street stocks were firmly in the green at the open on Thursday following a heavy sell-off in the previous session and some better than expected jobless claims numbers.
Barclays upgrades Entain, says BetMGM JV undervalued
Barclays upgraded its stance on Ladbrokes owner Entain to ‘overweight’ from ‘equalweight’ on Thursday, lifting the price target to 1,600p from 1,500p as it said the company’s joint venture with US casino operator MGM Resorts, BetMGM, is undervalued.
Interactive Brokers and Robinhood raise margin requirements for trading in GameStop
Two large online trading platforms moved to limit trading in shares of GameStop and other companies that had been caught up in the recent 'melt-up' in their share prices.
Prudential considering $3bn equity raise, will demerge US business
Prudential shares tumbled on Thursday after the insurer announced plans to separate its US business and said it was considering raising up to $3bn in new equity.
FTSE 100 movers: Prudential in the red; Diageo fizzes higher
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 4% at 6,541. 10 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
American Airlines posts record quarterly loss, rallies on Reddit speculation
US carrier American Airlines posted a record quarterly loss on Thursday as it cautioned of a difficult few months ahead as a result of ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions.