Market Pulse
Thursday preview: Federal Reserve rate decision, China trade data in focus
All eyes will on the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, on Thursday, where policymakers are scheduled to meet to decide on monetary policy.
US close: Stocks rally following outcome of mid-terms
The Dow Jones closed over 500 points higher on Wednesday as US stocks surged after the outcome of the mid-term elections was revealed.
WTI futures slip after "overwhelmingly bearish" DoE inventory report
US oil inventories bulged last week as domestic output jumped by more than had been expected and exports slipped.
Commodities: DoE data weighs on energy futures
An unexpectedly large build in US oil stockpiles pressured energy futures lower, dragging on a widely-followed gauge for the entire commodities complex.
London close: Markets breathe sigh of relief after US midterms
After US mid-term elections panned out pretty much as expected, London stocks extended gains as Wednesday's session wore on, as strength in the mining sector helped to offset disappointing updates from M&S, ITV and G4S, against the backdrop of another session of gains on Wall Street.
Sectors movers: Construction climbs, pubs leak lower
The construction and materials sector built up strong gains on Wednesday, while pub and software companies were going the other way.
Highways England doles out contracts to Balfour, Costain, Galliford Try, Kier
UK-based construction groups Balfour Beatty, Costain, Galliford Try and Kier have won sizeable contracts from Highways England.
Director dealings: Vertu Motors chairmain ups stake
Vertu Motors chairman Peter Jones purchased 228,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed motor retailer on Wednesday.
EU officials hint final stage of Brexit negotiations is close
European Union officials hinted on Wednesday that the UK Prime Minister Theresa May could visit Brussels within days for the final stage of Brexit negotiations and to secure a divorce deal.
Broker tips: Marks and Spencer, British Land, Hammerson, NewRiver REIT, Land Securities, NWF
Half-time results from Marks & Spencer divided analysts, with some lamenting the glacial progress in the retailer's turnaround but others seeing the dividend as safe and a just reward for investor patience.
US open: Stocks go green as midterm results continue to stream in
US stocks gained at the open on Wednesday as investors digested an in-line outcome from the mid-term elections.
ITV warns of softer ad sales amid Brexit uncertainty
ITV has seen some softening in advertising revenues at the start of the fourth quarter due to Brexit uncertainty and now expects total advertising to be broadly flat over the full year.
Peel Hunt upgrades NWF, highlights attractive entry point
Peel Hunt upped its stance on NWF Group - a specialist agricultural and distribution business delivering feed, food and fuel across the UK - to 'buy' from 'hold', retaining its 195p price target as the shares have recently slipped back to an "attractive" entry level, supported by a 3. 9% yield.
Randgold shareholders approve Barrick merger
Randgold Resources shareholders have approved the gold miner's $6bn merger with Barrick Gold.
Royal Mail's UK post and parcels head ousted
Just weeks ahead of the crucial festive period, the head of Royal Mail's UK post and parcels division has departed after a dozen years in the role.
Ascent Resources 'unlikely' to have update on Slovenian permits within the week
Ascent Resources believes it is "unlikely" any substantive developments will occur in its ongoing spat with the government of Slovenia over its failure to grant permits within a week from now.
Asia report: Markets muted as investors cautious over midterm results
Asian markets were mixed but largely muted on Wednesday as investors fear political gridlock in Washington and what that might mean for America's attitude towards trade.
MySquar chairman resigns amid Red Dragon spat
MySquar chairman Piers Pottinger resigned from the embattled outfit on Wednesday, with immediate effect.
Barclays turns more pessimistic on property stocks ahead of results
Barclays cut its stance on three UK retail property stocks on Wednesday as it took a more pessimistic view on the sector ahead of upcoming half-year results.
Russia and Saudi discuss cutting oil output in 2019
Russia and Saudi Arabia are discussing reducing their levels of oil output.