Market Report
Thursday newspaper round-up: Meta, AA, Go-Ahead, carbon emission permits
An extraordinary battle pitting New York multimillionaires against their billionaire neighbours is expected to reach fever pitch on Thursday when local politicians in the Hamptons vote on proposals to close an airport in the super-rich enclave. The East Hampton town board is expected to vote in favour of a plan to “deactivate” the local airport that buzzes with helicopters and private jets ferrying the uber-wealthy from Manhattan to their luxury beach houses. - Guardian.
London close: Stocks little changed amid light profit-taking
London's top-flight index was little changed at the end of the session on Thursday amid light profit-taking and alongside a small advance for Sterling, although some analysts in the City said that news overnight that China had cut lending rates was well-received.
Europe close: Stocks end higher amid bounce on Wall Street and after China rate cuts
European stocks finished higher on Thursday lifted by a bounce on Wall Street even as investors fretted about inflationary pressures.
FTSE 250 movers: Spirent, Premier Foods rise after updates
London’s FTSE 250 was up 0. 4% at 22,743. 04 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
Broker tips: Rentokil, Liontrust Asset Management, Ryanair, IAG
Citi upgraded Rentokil Initial to 'buy' from 'neutral' on Thursday, arguing that the proposed acquisition of US rival Terminix could propel the company into the number one slot in US pest control.
Philly Fed manufacturing index edges past forecasts at the start of 2022
Activity in the us mid-Atlantic region picked up the pace last month with new orders, shipments and delivery times both improving.
US existing home sales decline in December
US existing home sales fell in December as higher prices and record low inventory levels shut out first-time buyers.
US open: Stocks pick up early gains as investors shrug off unexpected jobless claims increase
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Thursday as major indices try to bounce back from another day of heavy losses despite this week's jobless claims figures coming in hotter than expected.
FTSE 100 movers: AB Foods falls on update; Rentokil boosted by upgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 4% at 7,556. 72 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US initial jobless claims unexpectedly rise last week
Americans made first-time unemployment benefit claims at a higher than expected clip last week, driven by an increased number of Covid-19 cases that disrupted business activity across the nation.
ECB does not need to react as quickly as the Fed, Lagarde says
The European Central Bank should not raise interest rates as quickly as the Federal Reserve, Christine Lagarde told French media.
Citi upgrades Rentokil on Terminix deal
Citi upgraded Rentokil Initial to ‘buy’ from ‘neutral’ on Thursday, arguing that the proposed acquisition of US rival Terminix could propel the company into the number 1 slot in US pest control.
Berenberg lowers target price on Liontrust Asset Management
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on asset manager Liontrust from 1,965. 0p to 1,850. 0p on Thursday after the group revealed increased market volatility at the start of 2022 had caused assets under management and advice to fall to roughly £36. 0bn.
Europe midday: Shares stay in the red as Soitec plunges
European stocks were still lower at midday on Thursday as investors fretted about inflationary pressures.
US pre-open: Futures in the green ahead of jobless claims figures
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Thursday as major indices looked set to try bounce back from another day of heavy losses ahead of this week's jobless claims report.
London midday: Stocks pare losses; AB Foods slides after update
London stocks had pared earlier losses to trade just a touch lower by midday on Thursday, as investors digested news that China had cut lending rates.
JPMorgan upgrades Ryanair, downgrades IAG
JPMorgan Cazenove upgraded Ryanair but downgraded IAG on Thursday as it took a look at the European airline sector.
Euro area CPI rises as expected in December on inflation in services
The cost of living in the single currency bloc rose as expected last month amid a jump in services and energy prices.
Kier Group performs 'well' in H1 despite inflationary pressures
Infrastructure services and construction firm Kier Group said on Thursday that it had "performed well" in the first half of the trading year, despite inflationary pressures, and now expects to deliver interim results in-line with internal expectations.
Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods lifts FY profit expectations
Premier Foods said on Thursday that full-year profit was set to be above market expectations after three strong quarters of trading and after the Mr Kipling brand enjoyed its "biggest ever" Christmas.