Market Report
US initial jobless claims unexpectedly rise
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, according to figures from the Labor Department.
Card Factory slumps as it warns earnings will be hit by margin pressure
Card Factory shares slid on Thursday even as the company hailed a “solid” Christmas trading period, as it warned that continued margin pressure will limit any earnings growth for this year.
Boohoo ups full-year sales forecast again as revenues double
Fast fashion brand Boohoo. com bumped up its full-year sales forecast again on Thursday as it said revenues doubled in the four months to the end of December.
Cora Gold completes reconnaissance drilling at Sanankoro asset
AIM-listed gold exploration company Cora Gold has completed its Stage 1 reconnaissance drill programme at its flagship Sanankoro gold discovery in Southern Mali, with the firm expecting assay results to be received by the end of January.
Europe midday: Traders wary, spotlight on government bond markets
Traders are erring on the side of caution with the spotlight still firmly on government bond markets on both sides of the Pond following recent sharp gains in longer-term yields in the US and Germany.
Euro snaps higher after ECB minutes
The euro has snapped higher after rate-setters in Frankfurt dropped a hint that they might harden their so-called 'guidance' for their policy settings.
Barclays ups Just Eat to 'overweight', sees strong revenue momentum
Shares in Just Eat were looking pretty tasty on Thursday after Barclays upped its stance on the stock to 'overweight' from 'equalweight' and hoisted up the price target to 1,000p from 700p.
Mortgage conditions remain balmy, as unsecured lending criteria tightens - BoE
Mortgage credit availability improved slightly in the final quarter of 2017, but there was a fall the in amount of unsecured consumer credit being made available amid a further tightening of lending standards.
US pre-open: Stocks seen a little higher as investors eye earnings season
US futures pointed to a slightly higher start on Wall Street on Thursday following a negative close in the previous session as investors digested the latest news out of China and looked ahead to the start of earnings season.
Centamin chairman Josef El-Raghy to retire after 20-year stint
Centamin's long-standing executive chairman, Josef El-Raghy, will retire from the Egyptain gold miner at the end of 2018.
London midday: Stocks nudge up as strong miners offset weak retailers, housebuilders
London stocks had nudged a little higher by midday on Thursday as strength in the heavily-weighted mining sector helped to offset weak retailers and housebuilders following uninspiring updates from Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Barratt Developments.
Eurozone manufacturers on a roll heading into 2018
Eurozone industrial production jumped more than expected in November and the bloc headed into 2018 on the front foot.
Game Digital revenues jump on increased sales of Nintendo Switch
High street retailer Game Digital saw gross retail sales rise across the whole group during its peak holiday trading period, with margins lower but expected to level off as increased cost savings are targeted.
John Lewis hails record Black Friday but warns over margin pressure
John Lewis said on Thursday that Black Friday 2017 was its most successful sales day in history, but the retailer also sounded a cautious note about the outlook and said trading was likely be “volatile”.
AO World revenues surge 17% with strong EU performance, more categories
Online electrical products retailer AO World reported much improved European sales and revenues from its UK business up 11. 4% over the last three months of the year in spite the "fiercely competitive" trading environment.
Hilton Food says trading in line, outlook positive
Specialist food packing business Hilton Food said on Thursday that its performance in the year to the end of December has been in line with the board’s expectations.
Premier Oil produces 75,000 barrels per day from North Sea
Exploration and production company Premier Oil saw production increase 5% last year after first oil from its Catcher area field development in the North Sea began on schedule and under budget.
GVC Holdings expects strong profits after record fourth quarter
Online gambling group GVC Holdings said profits would be at the top end of its expected range after a record level of net gaming revenue in the final quarter of 2017.
London open: Stocks flat as Tesco, M&S updates disappoint
London stocks were little changed in early trade on Thursday, with mixed Christmas trading updates from the likes of Tesco and Marks & Spencer disappointing analysts and investors.
Tesco's festive sales fall shy of City forecasts
Tesco reported fairly strong sales growth in the run-up to and including Christmas, though still fell slightly short of City forecasts.