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Europe close: All eyes on Rome as Italian assets get hammered
Stocks on the Continent were mostly higher on Wednesday, but on the periphery shares were bathed in red as markets moved to factor-in the prospect of a potentially highly disruptive governing coalition gaining power in Italy.
London close: Stocks take geopolitical risks in stride
Stocks edged higher in London on Wednesday as investors weighed up solid updates from the likes of Burberry and Micro Focus and deal news for Paddy Power against geopolitical concerns.
US oil inventories slip as exports jump, DoE says
Inventories of crude oil and its derivative products in the States were lower across the board last week amid rising exports.
US industrial production falls short of forecasts in March
US industrial production fell short of forecasts last month despite a sharp jump in the output of business equipment.
US housing starts peak in April, economists say
A key gauge of housing market activity in the US turned down last month, although the details of the report were somewhat stronger, according to economists.
Europe midday: Italian stocks pummelled as draft (and dated) coalition agreement surfaces
Stocks on the Continent are trading little changed, although a weaker euro is helping to steady sentiment - outside of Italy - amid reports that Italy's main anti-establishment parties were or had been seeking to negotiation an 'opt-out' clause from the single currency area.