Market Report
US close: Stocks higher following better-than-expected data
Wall Street stocks closed higher on Wednesday as better-than-expected macro data and comments from a top Fed official boosted sentiment.
Europe close: Stocks shake off geopolitical angst to end higher
European shares continued to push higher on Wednesday as investors as concerns about the impact of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan ebbed.
London close: Stocks stronger ahead of Thursday's BoE decision
London stocks closed above the waterline on Wednesday, as investors mulled the latest reading on the UK services sector ahead of the Bank of England’s scheduled policy announcement on Thursday.
BA set to pause sales of long-haul flights from Heathrow - report
British Airways is reportedly set to pause sales of long-haul flights to destinations such as New York amid disruption at Heathrow.
Broker tips: Ascential, BAE Systems, Centrica
Analysts at Berenberg downgraded business-to-business media firm Ascential from 'buy' to 'hold' on Wednesday and slashed their target price on the stock to 290. 0p from 450. 0p, stating it was now "cutting losses".
Kefi reports further licensing progress in Saudi Arabia
Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia-focussed gold and copper explorer and developer Kefi announced positive licensing progress on the Jibal Qutman project on Wednesday, as well as the award of two further exploration licences through its Gold and Minerals (G&M) joint venture in Saudi Arabia.
FTSE 250 movers: Endeavour shines, Hill & Smith falls
The FTSE 250 was up 0. 34% at 19,940. 66 at 1523 BST.
Proteome reaches milestone in launch of proteomics service
Proteome Sciences has completed its next milestone towards the launch of ‘single cell proteomics’ services, it announced on Wednesday, dubbed ‘SysQuant SCP’.
Orcadian strikes farm-out deal with Carrick Resources
North Sea-focussed oil and gas developer Orcadian Energy has executed a formal agreement with Carrick Resources for a sub-area of licence P2320, it announced on Wednesday, which covers the Carra prospect.
FTSE 100 movers: Avast surges on CMA news; Centrica hit by downgrade
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 2% at 7,423. 26 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
US open: Stocks trade higher at the opening bell
Wall Street stocks were in the green early on Wednesday as strained US-Sino relations remained in focus.
First Property leases another 9pc of Gdynia office building
Property fund manager and investor First Property Group has leased a further 1,115 square metres, or 9% of the net internal area, of its office building in Gdynia, Poland, it announced on Wednesday.
Premier African Minerals finalises prepayment deal, receives funds
Premier African Minerals has concluded the definitive transaction documents of the marketing and prepayment agreement it announced on 24 June, it said on Wednesday.
Berenberg downgrades Ascential to 'hold', slashes target price
Analysts at Berenberg downgraded business-to-business media firm Ascential from 'buy' to 'hold' on Wednesday and slashed their target price on the stock to 290. 0p from 450. 0p, stating it was now "cutting losses".
Keywords flags strong trading, agrees to buy Mighty Games
Video games technical and creative services provider Keywords Studios said in an update on Wednesday that it performed “strongly” in the first half, while it also announced the acquisition of Mighty Games.
Boku gets $0.16m from Twilio after post-completion adjustment
Mobile payment technology company Boku said on Wednesday that it has received $0. 16m from Twilio.
i3 Energy declares September dividend
UK and Canada-focussed oil and gas company i3 Energy declared its monthly dividend for September on Wednesday, for a total of £1. 6996m.
Societe Generale net income rises 16pc in first half
Societe Generale reported underlying group net income of €3. 1bn in its first half on Wednesday, up 16. 3% year-on-year, although its reported net income was a negative figure, at €640m.
Citi downgrades Centrica to ‘neutral’
Citi downgraded British Gas owner Centrica on Wednesday to ‘neutral’ from ‘buy’ following a 70%+ absolute share price performance since the beginning of last year.
US pre-open: Futures trade higher despite strained US-Sino relations
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Wednesday as strained US-Sino relations remained in focus.