Market Pulse
Director dealings: Spouse of BATS director sells stock
The spouse of Ricardo Oberlander, British American Tobacco's regional director for the Americas, sold some of her shares on Friday.
US midday: Stocks dip after mixed data
Wall Street's main market gauges are dipping slightly during the last trading day before Christmas following the release of a batch of mixed readings on the economy.
Vast Resources swings to a loss in first half as CEO steps down
Mining production company Vast Resources saw revenue from its two operational mines grow 5% over the six months leading to 30 September but a number of factors, including the increased cost of sales, swung the group to a loss.
KSK Power urges need to 'reconsider business approach'
KSK Power Ventures said it was urgently reconsidering its business approach and needed to "explore alternative solutions" at each of its assets to preserve long term value.
MPs target packaging firms to toughen plastic waste regulations
The UK Environmental Audit Committee is targeting packaging firms and supermarkets to “turn back the tide” on plastic waste and recycling.
Mayan Energy acquires three more Texas wells
Oil and gas exploration and production company Mayan Energy announced on Friday that had it acquired an additional three wells adjacent to its Forest Hill Lease in Wood County Texas.
Bitcoin plunges close to $12000 but analysts predict bounce back
Bitcoin crashed below $13,000 and was closing in on $12,000 on Friday to record a plunge of 66% this week as the total cryptocurrency market lost close to $150bn from its total market value on Friday alone - though with analysts saying rebounds are likely.
SDX Energy begins drilling at Moroccan asset
Gas exploration, production and development outfit SDX Energy has begun operations at its ELQ-1 well on the Gharb Centre permit in Morocco.
London close: Stocks beat slight retreat after hitting new festive high
London stocks ended the final session before Christmas in festive red amid thin volumes, although there was some Yuletide cheer to be had as the top-flight index enjoyed a fresh high earlier in the day.
UN rejects recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel
The United Nations has voted against Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in spite of the US president’s threats to cut financial aid to countries that vote against him.
YOLO Leisure reveals growth in income and net assets
Full year results from YOLO Leisure & Technology showed positive investment income as the company plans to raise further funds in the new year.
Europe midday: Equities in the red as Catalan elections dampen cheer
Regional election results in Spain dampened the pre-Christmas cheer for European stocks on Friday, as the Madrid government's move to reduce political uncertainty backfired as secessionist parties won a slim majority.
Westminster Group soars as Middle Eastern contract nears
Westminster Group saw its share price soar on Friday after the security company reported that it had reached an agreement with an unnamed Middle Eastern client for a major long-term project.
MedicX acquires Irish health centre
Healthcare-focused property investor MedicX completed its fifth Irish acquisition on Friday for €7. 8m.
UK GDP growth of 0.4% in third quarter funded as households reduce savings
UK national growth was confirmed as remaining lacklustre in the third quarter, though a large upward revision in the impact of exports meant the contribution from consumers was smaller than originally thought.
US pre-open: Stocks to nudge higher in last session before Christmas; data eyed
US futures pointed to a marginally firmer open on Wall Street on the last trading day before Christmas, with the Dow potentially heading for a fresh record.
Contango shares suspended as Zimbabwe reverse takeover talks advance
Contango Holdings has signed a memorandum of understanding as it entered exclusive talks with regards to its potential acquisition of Zimbabwean mining assets.
Aviation leases former Air Berlin aircraft to EasyJet
Aircraft leasing business Aviation completed delivery of an Airbus A320-200 to EasyJet on Friday after the airline received permission from the European Commission to acquire part of Air Berlin's operations.
Europe open: Spanish spanner in the works as Catalan election plan backfires
Regional election results in Spain cast a pall over European stocks on Friday, as the Madrid government's move to reduce political uncertainty backfired as secessionist parties won a majority.
BHP Billiton to pay $181m for Brazil dam disaster
BHP Billiton has agreed to provide $181m in financial support to the Renova Foundation and Samarco until the end of June next year, following the dam failure in 2015.