Market Pulse - Europe
Russia hikes rates unexpectedly due to currency weakness, risk of further sanctions
Central Bank of Russia surprised financial markets on Friday, hiking its main interest rate in response to the recent overshoot of its inflation target on the back of weakness in the rouble and food price inflation, although Governor Elvira Nabiullina had reportedly flagged that possibility a week beforehand.
Europe close: Stocks carried higher by positive sentiment on Wall Street
Stocks on the Continent finished higher going into the weekend, tracking fresh gains on Wall Street, where some of the main stockmarket gauges had notched-up fresh all-time highs just the day before.
London close: Stocks jump as risk of 'no-deal' rises, sinking the pound
London's top-flight index jumped on Friday as sterling slid on jitters about a no-deal Brexit, while a strong performance from the mining sector also provided a boost.
Director dealings: Scapa president lowers stake
Scapa's healthcare president Joseph Davin disposed of 83,358 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed firm on Friday.
AMG Superalloys enters renewable power agreement with Orsted
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group announced on Friday that AMG Superalloys has entered into a multi-year agreement with Ørsted to purchase 100% of its power requirements from renewable sources, starting in October 2018.
Nestlé to put skin health division up for sale
Nestlé announced on Thursday it is considering selling its skin health division and its price of the sale could reach up to €7bn.
Europe open: Stocks start session higher, boosted by strength on Wall Street
Stocks on the Continent have started the session higher, tracking gains overnight on Wall Street that saw some of the main stockmarket gauges notch-up fresh all-time highs.