Market Report
Europe close: Stocks up on expectations for accelerated ECB bond buying
European shares moved back towards record territory on Thursday after the European Central Bank said it would accelerate its bond purchases and that rate-setters were not discussing phasing out their stimulus.
US existing home sales undershoot forecasts in March
Sales of second hand homes in the US undershot came in below forecasts in March due to a mix of higher prices, higher mortgage rates and a dearth of available supply.
London close: ECB policy announcement gives stocks a boost
Stocks in London finished above the waterline on Thursday, as investors digested the latest decision from the European Central Bank, which left the door open for a so-called “recalibration” to its Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP).
Director dealings: Flowtech Fluidpower chairman ups stake
Flowtech Fluidpower said on Thursday that chairman Roger McDowell had acquired 750,000 ordinary shares in the xxxx listed technical fluid power products supplier.
Broker tips: Vitec Group, Centamin
Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on camera supports manufacturer Vitec Group from 990. 0p to 1,180. 0p on Thursday, stating there was now "a brighter picture" for the group.
Greatland Gold begins drilling at Juri joint venture
Precious and base metals exploration and development company Greatland Gold announced the start of drilling under the Juri joint venture with Newcrest Mining on Thursday.
Renalytix AI wins 10-year US government contract
Renalytix AI announced on Thursday that the United States government has granted it a 10-year ‘Governmentwide Acquisition Contract’ (GWAC) to provide ‘KidneyIntelX’ early-stage kidney disease bioprognostic testing services.
RWS puts in good first half performance
Language services and technology company RWS reported good first half performance on Thursday, despite foreign exchange headwinds, with revenue in line with its own expectations.
GB Group finishes year ahead of market expectations
Identity data technology company GB Group reported a 9% improvement in total revenue and organic constant currency revenue for the 2021 financial year on Thursday, to £217m, ahead of updated market consensus expectations.
US open: Stocks lower despite stronger-than-expected jobless claims data
Wall Street stocks were in the red early on Thursday despite a better-than-expected jobless claims report.
Weekly US jobless claims surprise to the downside again
US jobless claims continued to slip lower, contrary to economists' expectations.
BofA hikes target on Centamin citing balance sheet 'strength'
Analysts at Bank of America raised their target price for shares of Centamin, highlighting to clients the group's multiple strengths.
Berenberg raises target price on Vitec
Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on camera supports manufacturer Vitec Group from 990. 0p to 1,180. 0p on Thursday, stating there was now "a brighter picture" for the group.
Credit Suisse announces capital raise, shares take hit
Credit Suisse shares were knocked lower after the investment bank announced that it would go cap in hand to shareholders after sustaining a further hit from the blowup of hedge fund Archegos.
London midday: Stocks hug flatline ahead of ECB decision
London's top-flight index was hugging the flatline come midday, ahead of the European Central Bank's policy decision, the main risk event of the day, with investors especially focused on anything that it might have to say on the possible exit of its Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme.
US pre-open: Futures slightly lower after the Street's first positive session in three days
Wall Street futures were relatively flat ahead of the bell on Thursday after major averages recorded some serious gains in the previous session.
CareTech trades in line during H1
Social care and education services provider Caretech said on Thursday that it has traded in line with market expectations throughout the first half of its financial year, with stronger revenues and increased underlying earnings year-on-year.
Solid State expects FY results to beat recently upgraded consensus forecasts
Manufacturer Solid State said on Thursday that it expects to announce full-year results ahead of recently upgraded consensus forecasts after the final month of its trading year benefitted from demand being pulled forward and a "strong contribution" from the two businesses acquired by the group at the end of February.
EU prepares case against AstraZeneca for failed vaccine deliveries
The European Commission is working on legal proceedings against AstraZeneca after the drugmaker failed to deliver the Covid-19 vaccines that it had been contracted for with the European Union.
Byotrol FY results 'substantially ahead' of prior year
Infection and prevention control firm Byotrol said on Thursday that results for the year ended 31 March were expected to be "substantially ahead" of the previous year and broadly in line with market expectations.