Market Pulse
ASOS growth looks assured for years to come - RBC Capital Markets
Asos should deliver a solid trading update in January and can sustain high levels of growth over the coming three years, RBC Capital Markets said, upping its share price target.
Friday preview: LSE shuts early, Catalan election results due
Friday's session on the London Stock Exchange will end at 1230 GMT, though there's little let-off elsewhere, with UK national accounts, European and US stock markets trading normal hours and elections in Catalonia to provide a seasonal dollop of risk.
US close: Stocks end slightly higher after data slew; banks and energy shares gain
US stocks ended Thursday’s session a little higher as investors digested the latest readings on growth, jobs and manufacturing, although volumes were thinner than usual as we head towards the Christmas break.
First exit poll shows slight lead for Catalan pro-independence parties
The three main pro-Catalan independence parties will most likely retain a very slight simple majority in the regional parliament, according to an exit poll conducted by Gad 3 for local daily La Vanguardia.
Europe close: Stocks brush-off uncertainty around Catalan elections
European stocks finished higher as voting began in regional elections in the Spanish region of Catalonia with investors also reacting to fresh gains on Wall Street after the passing of tax reforms in America.
London close: Stocks hit fresh record high
The top flight index notched up a fresh record high on Thursday as investors digested the passing of the US tax reform bill and the latest readings on UK consumer confidence and public finances, although trading volumes were much thinner than usual in the run-up to Christmas.
Shell moves into household supply with First Utility acquisition
Oil and gas giant Royal Dutch Shell inked an agreement on Thursday that would see it acquire 100% of British household energy and broadband provider First Utility in the New Year.
Belfast jobs fears grow as US hits Bombardier with 300pc import duty
America has slapped a 300% tariff on some of Bombardier's imports as part of the Canadian company's long-running competition dispute with Boeing, putting hundreds of manufacturing jobs in Belfast on the line.
Director dealings: DMGT director cashes in 61,339 of company shares
Kevin Beatty, chief executive of DMG Media, ditched 61,339 ordinary shares in Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) on Thursday at a price of 602. 58p each.
Zinc Media inks deal to produce documentary on RAF for ITV
Television and multimedia content producer Zinc Media Group has been commissioned by ITV to produce a three-part primetime series with the Royal Air Force.
FTSE 250 movers: Dixons rallies but McCarthy & Stone hit by leasehold proposal
London's FTSE 250 was up 0. 3% in afternoon trade on Thursday to 20,417. 24 in thin volumes, as the Christmas lull kicked in.
Supreme looks to hire CFO after Carlyle Group investment
Three months after founder James Jebbia offloaded 50% of his New York skate shop and clothing brand Supreme to DC-based investment firm The Carlyle Group, the private equity group was already beginning to take steps to expand the business, starting with the hiring of a chief financial officer.
FTSE 100 movers: InterContinental rallies but housebuilders take a hit
London's FTSE 100 was up 1% to 7,599. 18 in afternoon trade on Thursday, taking a leg higher in the second half of the session after breaching the 7,600 mark and posting a new all-time high amid low volumes.
Chipotle shares drop on reports of Los Angeles county investigation into potential outbreak
Shares in US fast food restaurant Chipotle Mexican Grill fell on Wednesday when reports surfaced that a number of customers had reported symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea on iwaspoisoned. com after eating at one of its Los Angeles locations.
US open: Stocks edge higher as investors digest data slew
US stocks edged tentatively higher in early trade on Thursday as investors digested the latest readings on growth, jobs and manufacturing, although volumes were thinner than usual as we head towards the Christmas break.
US Q3 GDP revised down to 3.2% from 3.3%
Third quarter economic growth in the US was revised down a touch amid weaker consumer spending, according to data released on Thursday.
Philly Fed index unexpectedly jumps higher in December
Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region unexpectedly improved in December, according to a survey released on Thursday.
US initial jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits grew more than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
Ineos confirms Forties pipeline to be back on line in new year
Ineos said its Forties North Sea gas pipeline should progressively flow back to normal rates early in the new year.
Candy brothers win £132m court case after acrimonious trial
Property tycoons the Candy brothers have won a £132m high court case brought by a former friend and business associate whose claims of harassment and intimidation have been quashed.