Market Report
Berenberg initiates coverage on Ashtead Technology at 'buy'
Analysts at Berenberg initiated coverage on subsea equipment and solutions group Ashtead Technology at 'buy' on Thursday, branding the firm "a market leader in a thriving sector".
London close: FTSE 100 continues grind higher towards 8,000 points
London stocks were mixed on Thursday but the top-flight index continued to grind higher as investors sifted through corporate news, with Standard Chartered surging ahead on deal speculation.
Broker tips: Ashtead Technology, Next
Analysts at Berenberg initiated coverage on subsea equipment and solutions group Ashtead Technology at 'buy' on Thursday, branding the firm "a market leader in a thriving sector".
'Mystery suitor' interested in ITV, says Betaville
Broadcaster ITV is reportedly at the centre of a fresh round of takeover speculation, according to markets blog Betaville.
Deliveroo to axe 350 jobs
Food delivery company Deliveroo said on Thursday that it was planning to cut around 9% of its workforce, or 350 jobs, amid a slowdown in demand due to the cost-of-living crisis.
US open: Stocks higher following jobless claims data
Wall Street stocks were firmly in the green early on Thursday after registering heavy losses in the previous session.
Director dealings: Sage Group director makes share purchase
Sage Group revealed on Thursday that non-executive director Roisin Donnelly had acquired 10,000 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100-listed software group.
FTSE 100 movers: StanChart gains on deal speculation; Entain in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 5% at 7,920. 90 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US initial jobless claims rise by 13,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at an accelerated clip in the seven days ended 4 February.
FTSE 250 movers: Watches of Switzerland not ticking; Darktrace deal pleases
FTSE 250: 20,351. 90, +0. 24% at 1440 GMT.
Gfinity to raise £1.5m in placing, CEO to depart
Esports company Gfinity announced plans on Thursday to raise at least £1. 5m in an equity placing and subscription, and said that chief executive John Clarke will be stepping down.
Sunak to meet business leaders on Friday to discuss trade issues - report
Prime minister Rishi Sunak will reportedly hold talks on Friday with executives from some of the world’s biggest companies as he seeks fresh ideas to boost Britain’s economic prospects.
Liberum calls Next 'a clear winner'
Analysts at Liberum took a fresh look at retailer Next on Thursday, stating the firm was "a clear winner", with multiple macro and micro drivers.
US pre-open: Futures higher ahead of jobless claims data
Wall Street futures were firmly in the green ahead of the bell on Thursday after registering heavy losses in the previous session.
London midday: Stocks maintain gains as StanChart surges, Entain slumps
London stocks were still in the black by midday on Thursday as investors sifted through corporate news, with Standard Chartered surging ahead on deal speculation.
Europe midday: Shares hold gains as German CPI less-than-feared
European stocks made a strong start to Thursday’s session as German inflation rose less than expected in January, providing a boost for hopes that the European Central Bank may be able to ease the pace of rate hikes, while Sweden lifted its benchmark rate to 3%.
Asia report: Shares mixed on US Fed rate caution; China up on growth boost
Asia-Pacific stocks were mixed on Thursday as investors digested comments from US Federal Reserve governors on the scale of future interest rate rises and economic upgrades on the outlook for China.
Avon Protection receives US helmet order worth $6.7m
Avon Protection said on Thursday that it has received a second helmet delivery order from the US Defense Logistics Agency worth $6. 7m.
Watches of Switzerland slides as Q3 sales miss estimates
Watches of Switzerland reiterated its full-year guidance on Thursday as it posted a jump in third-quarter revenues amid solid demand, but shares in the retailer tumbled as results missed expectations.
Entain tumbles as MGM takeover speculation quashed
Shares in Ladbrokes owner Entain tumbled on Thursday after rumours of a possible takeover by MGM were quashed.