Market Report
BT Group 'looks cheap' but more clarity needed, says Morgan Stanley
BT Group "looks cheap" on a sum-of-the-parts valuation, suggested Morgan Stanley, retaining its 'equal-weight' rating due some lingering reservations.
Europe close: Euro area stocks end month on a down note
Another run higher in euro area stocks petered out as the day wore on, despite another strong showing for shares on Wall Street and despite reports that Germany's Social Democrats are preparing for an alliance with German chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU/CSU.
US open: Stocks continue to barrel higher on tax cut hopes
Wall Street continued to push higher at a furious pace amid greater optimism over the likelihood of US tax reforms and the potential impact they might have on stocks.
London close: Sterling advance saps Footsie strength
Stocks closed lower on Thursday, surrendering to pound strength amid optimism over recent progress in Brexit talks and following a report that Britain is close to agreeing a deal over the Northern Ireland border.
FTSE 100 movers: Mediclinic surges on upgrade, Persimmon 'pricey'
The FTSE 100, the UK’s primary stock index, traded 0. 45% lower on Thursday as sterling continued its rise in a week in which progress appeared to be made in Brexit negotiations.
Director dealings: Mincon director sells 3.8m shares
Irish drilling tools engineer Mincon announced on Thursday that a company closely associated with its non-executive director Kevin Barry had disposed of more than 3. 8m shares in the firm.
ITM Power talks up deal pipeline in extensive trading update
Energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power updated the market on its trading and operations for the period since the announcement of its successful placing and open offer on 29 September on Thursday.
Unite accuses Premier Inn owner of 'wage theft'
According to a snap poll by trade union Unite, two out of three workers at Premier Inn, Britain's largest budget hotel chain, had regularly been denied breaks and not been paid what they were owed.
Aviva ups growth targets, unleashing £3bn of excess cash
Aviva has upped upped its long-term cash flow, earnings and dividend targets and says it has £3bn of excess cash that will be used to pay down £0. 9bn debt next year, as well as making bolt-on acquisitions and funding shareholder returns.
Acquisitions drive trading at Totally
Healthcare services provider Totally updated the market on its trading on Thursday, reporting that following the recent acquisition of Vocare, trading across the group remained in line with expectations.
FTSE 250 movers: Marston's fizzes higher on results; RPC boosted by broker note
London's FTSE 250 was down 0. 6% to 19,931. 78 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
Vipera expands scope of contract with GSB Thailand
Mobile financial services provider Vipera has increased the scope of its contract with the Government Savings Bank of Thailand (GSB) through its partner TNFIS, part of the TN Information Systems group, utilising Vipera's digital financial services platform MOTIF under license, it announced on Thursday.
Hedge fund pursues effort to oust LSE chairman Brydon
An activist investor is pressing ahead with a shareholder vote to oust the chairman of the London Stock Exchange despite the company's attempts to draw a line under a boardroom power struggle.
Kroger's third quarter profits beat forecasts
North America's largest supermarket chain Kroger on Thursday posted quarterly sales and profits which came in ahead of expectations as competitive pricing brought customers through its doors in droves.
Chicago PMI drops less than expected in November
Economic activity in the Chicago area deteriorated less than expected in November, according to figures released on Thursday.
Mediclinic double upgraded to 'buy' by Jefferies on UAE potential
Shares in global hospital manager Mediclinic International gained more than 4% on Thursday after the company was upgraded to ‘buy’ from ‘underperform’ by analysts at Jefferies.
Europe midday: Gains for stocks ebb as euro climbs on speculation of German grand coalition
Stocks' run higher is fading as the single currency gains ground, amid reports that Germany's Social Democrats are preparing for an alliance with German chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU/CSU.
Friday preview: A quiet start to December
Friday 1 December is very quiet in the corporate diary, with no major companies expected to report results, but a range of data to sift through, for those inclined.
Drilling at Italy-based Podere Maiar-1 redevelopment well underway, says Prospex Oil and Gas
AIM-quoted investment company Prospex Oil and Gas said Thursday it was informed by Po Valley Energy regarding completion of the first casing run in hole and cementing of the Italy-based Podere Maiar-1 redevelopment well, in which Prospex has a 17% working interest.
Tower Resources awards 3D seismic data contract to DMT Petrologic
Africa-focussed oil and gas company Tower Resources announced the award of a contract to reprocess 3D seismic data over and around its Thali license in Cameroon on Thursday, to DMT Petrologic.