THE MOST READ
UK house prices see biggest monthly rise since February - Halifax
UK house prices saw their biggest monthly rise in November since February, according to mortgage lender Halifax.
China to waive import tariffs on some US soybean, pork shipments
China said on Friday that it will waive import tariffs for some soybean and pork shipments from the US.
London open: Stocks edge up as investors eye payrolls report
London stocks edged higher in early trade on Friday as investors awaited the release of the latest US non-farm payrolls report.
London midday: Stocks extend gains amid trade hopes; payrolls eyed
London stocks had extended gains by midday on Friday, underpinned by signs of progress in Sino-US trade relations and some encouraging house price data, as investors awaited the release of the latest US non-farm payrolls report.
Europe open: Markets rise as China waives tariffs, German data eyed
European stocks were higher on Friday morning after China dialled back some of its tariffs on US goods, while German factory data missed expectations.
FTSE 100 movers: DS Smith bounces back; Phoenix Group retreats
London’s FTSE 100 was up 1.2% to 7,222.87 in afternoon trade on Friday, boosted by signs of progress in Sino-US trade relations and a better-than-expected US non-farm payrolls report.
Friday newspaper round-up: Eddie Stobart, Uber, property funds, Saudi Aramco
The Eddie Stobart transport business, famed for its red and green lorries, is teetering on the brink of collapse with its future due to be decided at a key shareholder vote in London on Friday. The vote will pit William Stobart, the third son of the company’s founder, against his childhood friend and former brother-in-law, Andrew Tinkler. – Guardian
3i Infrastructure to sell UK projects portfolio for £194m
3i Infrastructure has agreed to sell its UK projects portfolio to various buyers including funds managed by Dalmore, Semperian and Innisfree for around £194m.
German industrial production falls in October
German industrial production unexpectedly fell in October, according to figures released by Destatis on Friday, reigniting fears about a recession.
Secure Property transfers Bulgaria assets to Arcona Property Fund
South eastern Europe-focussed property company Secure Property Development & Investment (SPDI) announced the transfer of all of its Bulgaria ‘Boyana’ assets to Arcona Property Fund on Friday, in exchange for the issue to SPDI of 315,591 new shares in Arcona and 77,201 warrants over shares in Arcona.
Phoenix makes £3.2bn offer for Swiss Re's ReAssure Group
Phoenix Group Holdings said it had made a £3.2bn cash and shares offer for Swiss Re's UK unit ReAssure Group.
OPEC to keep crude oil output unchanged until March
Several of the world's largest oil producers chose to keep their combined output unchanged and wait instead until spring to see whether any changes needed to be made.
Tremor International renews partnership with Alphonso
Video advertising technology company Tremor International has renewed its partnership with television data and measurement provider Alphonso, it announced on Friday, to expand its exclusive automatic content recognition solution that enabled brands to reach television audiences more precisely and effectively across video devices.
US non-farm payrolls soar by 266,00 in November
US non-farm payrolls jumped by 266,000 in November alongside an unexpected drop in the rate of unemployment.
Eddie Stobart shareholders back rescue deal
Eddie Stobart shareholders have backed a bailout by private equity firm Douglas Bay Capital (DBay) that will save the logistics business from collapse.
Ironveld names Martin Eales as CEO
Mining outfit Ironveld tapped Martin Eales to take over as chief executive on Friday, taking over from Dr Peter Cox on 16 December.
Interim profits slide at Abbey
Housebuilder Abbey saw profits drop in the six months ended 31 October but said second-half sales had been "good" so far.
RBC Capital starts Provident Financial at 'sector perform'
RBC Capital Markets initiated coverage of Provident Financial at ‘sector perform’ on Friday, with a 445p price target.
US consumer sentiment improves in December
Consumer sentiment in the US improved in December, according to a preliminary reading from the University of Michigan.
Jefferies trims target price on Glencore to reflect 'risk' from SFO investigation
Jefferies trimmed its target price for shares of commodity trader Glencore to reflect the risk to the franchise after the Serious Fraud Office's announcement of an investigation into potential bribery at the company.
Walcom Group warns shareholders on its ongoing viability
Walcom Group updated the market on its working capital position on Friday, saying that under the terms of an existing bank facility, and as it had anticipated, a short-term bank loan of CNY 1m (£0.11m) is due for repayment by the company in the second week of December.
OptiBiotix signs three new distribution agreements
Life sciences business OptiBiotix Health has entered into three new exclusive distribution agreements, it announced on Friday, in a bid to extend the global reach of its ‘SlimBiome’ and ‘GoFigure’ products.
London pre-open: Stocks to edge up ahead of payrolls
London stocks were set to edge higher at the open on Friday as investors awaited the release of the latest US non-farm payrolls report and continued to eye trade developments.
Stonegate takeover of EI Group raises local concerns, CMA says
The Competition and Markets Authority said on Friday that Stonegate’s proposed £1.3bn takeover of pub chain EI Group raises competition concerns at a local level.
Providence Resources chief executive steps down
Ireland-based energy company Providence Resources announced on Friday that Tony O’Reilly has stepped down from the position of chief executive officer, and has resigned from the board with immediate effect.