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Jefferies initiates coverage on 'kingmaker' Auto Trader at 'hold'
Analysts at Jefferies initiated coverage on classified advertising business Auto Trader at 'hold' on Wednesday, noting that its digital rebirth had been so well executed that it had seen the firm be anointed the UK's "automotive Kingmaker", a moniker the broker said came with many enviable traits.
Trump flounces out of 'waste of time' shutdown talks
US President Donald Trump stormed out of a meeting with Congressional Democrat leaders on Wednesday after they continued to refuse his demands to fund a border wall with Mexico.
MPs force May into three-day deadline on new Brexit deal
UK Prime Minister Theresa May was defeated for a second time in 24 hours when MPs forced her to present parliament with a new Brexit plan within three days if her current proposal is voted down next Tuesday.
Shore Capital upgrades Serco on £1.9bn government contract
Serco Group’s shares were upgraded from ‘hold’ to ‘buy’ by Shore Capital on Wednesday after the public services outsourcer secured a £1. 9bn contract with the UK government.
Commodities: Saudi's Al-Falih doesn't rule out 'further measures'
Energy futures were again the most sought-out segment in the commodity space on Wednesday as the Greenback extended its recent correction on the back of 'dovish' remarks from multiple top officials from the US Federal Reserve.
Thursday preview: Federal Reserve, UK retailers in focus
Barring surprises, the focus on Thursday will continue to be on the US central bank, with another raft of officials scheduled to take to the podium.
US oil product stockpiles jump last week, DoE says
US crude oil inventories fell by less than analysts had expected last week, helped by a big rise in net imports, even as product stockpiles jumped, a "clear" sign of receding demand, analysts said.
Fed's Rosengren argues for pause, suspects financial markets 'unduly pessimistic'
One of the US central bank's heretofore more 'hawkish' policymakers argued the case for patience before deciding on the next move in monetary policy, even broaching the possibility that no further tightening might be needed.
Europe close: Shares on the Continent extend gains
European shares extended their relief rally following reports of progress overnight in US-China trade talks, market chatter around possible new fiscal stimulus in China and 'dovish' remarks out of at least three top US central bank officials.
Small caps round-up
Topps Tiles reported a drop in first-quarter revenue on Wednesday amid a "challenging" market backdrop.
Premier Veterinary Group's shares put down after missing out on UK contract
Premier Veterinary Group’s shares dropped on Wednesday as it confirmed that it is no longer in discussions to provide services to a “leading UK corporate group” that would have seen the company gain an extra £1m in annual revenues.
London close: Shares extend 'relief rally'
London stocks extended their relief rally on Wednesday amid optimism about the latest round of US-China trade talks and hopes that moves in Westminster have lowered the chance of a no-deal Brexit, with housebuilders leading the charge.
FTSE 250 movers: Ted Baker enjoys a merry Christmas, Just Group declines
London’s FTSE 250 closed up 1. 3% at 18,413. 71 on Wednesday, with Ted Baker making strong gains after customers embraced festive deals.
Germany and France to sign extension of reconciliation treaty to strengthen EU
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to sign an extension of their 55-year-old reconciliation treaty on 22 January to try and strengthen the EU against forces trying to tear it apart.
Sector movers: Commodities, builders and retailers rally
Top performing sectors in London on Wednesday were oil companies, miners, housebuilders and retailers, while mobile telecoms was dialled down.
Verona Pharma granted WHO approval for Ensifentrine name
Clinical stage biopharmaceutical outfit Verona Pharma has been granted approval of the name Ensifentrine for its first-in-class, inhaled, dual inhibitor drug candidate RPL554 by the World Health Organisation.
Broker tips: Vodafone, BHP, Auto Trader
Vodafone shares fell again on Wednesday as Macquarie warned the telecoms group is "structurally challenged" with long-term risks to cash flow forecasts.
Director dealings: Eagle Eye COO ups stake
Eagle Eye Solutions chief operating officer David Aylmer acquired 4,669 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed software-as-a-service outfit on Wednesday, upping his stake to a total of 18,307 ordinary shares as a result.
Wincanton secures two new contracts with Weetabix
Logistics company Wincanton has been appointed by Weetabix to provide transport, warehousing and co-packing services from February.
US open: Stocks edge higher amidst optimism surrounding trade talks
US stocks edged higher at the open on Wednesday as investors took news that talks between US and Chinese officials had carried on another day as a sign that both parties were close to an agreement on trade.