Market Pulse
Ashtead boosted as BofA Merrill highlights attractive growth
Ashtead got a boost on Wednesday as Bank of America Merrill Lynch upped its price target on the stock to 2,000p from 1,620p and reiterated its ‘buy’ rating.
Pressure on Trump administration grows as further details of Russia links emerge
Donald Trump's administration is facing calls for an investigation into the links between departed national security adviser Michael Flynn and the Kremlin, amid reports of alleged contacts between the President's election campaign and members of the Russian government.
HSBC downgrades bookmakers as 'series of risks' looms
HSBC downgraded shares in William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral and Paddy Power Betfair as they face a consumer spending slowdown and a series of other risks in the coming months.
Europe open: Stocks track Wall Street higher ahead of data barrage
Equities on the Continent began the day higher tracking another record close for the S&P 500 on the other side of the Pond as US central bank chief Janet Yellen delivered an upbeat view on the economic outlook the day before.
Anglo American Platinum to sell Union Mine stake
Anglo American Platinum has agreed to sell its 85% interest in the Union Mine in South Africa and 50. 1% interest in MASA Chrome to a subsidiary of Siyanda.
London open: Stocks edge higher ahead of employment data
London stocks edged higher in early trade, taking their cue from a positive session in the US, where equities were boosted by unexpectedly hawkish comments from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen, as investors eyed some key figures on unemployment and wages.
Stagecoach exits Twin America joint venture.
Passenger transport operator Stagecoach Group confirmed on Tuesday that it has sold its interest in the Twin America joint venture for an undisclosed sum.
NEX Group posts 11% rise in third-quarter revenue
FTSE 250 financial broker NEX Group – formerly ICAP – posted a rise in revenue for the third quarter as Donald Trump’s US presidential win lifted trading activity, although the company warned it was still too early to assume that a period of subdued market conditions had come to an end.
London pre-open: Stocks to rise ahead of unemployment data
London stocks were predicted to rise 20 points on Wednesday ahead of UK labour market data and after US stocks rose overnight in the wake of unexpectedly hawkish comments from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Co-op Bank, city rates, Toshiba
Co-operative Bank’s core ethical mandate is expected to pose a major obstacle to a sale of the troubled lender to a rival firm, according to City sources. The bank, which put itself up sale on Monday in a bid to solve its financial woes, has a strict policy that forbids it from funding a host activities, including those that contribute to climate change or animal testing of cosmetics. The mandate sets the lender apart from other high-street banks. – Telegraph.
Qinetiq trading in line as Target Systems acquisition is integrated
Qinetiq, the defence technology specialist, said underlying trading was as expected during the third quarter and that its aspirations for the full year to end-March were unchanged.