Market Report
FX round-up: Pound finds slight bid even as US dollar grinds higher
The pound edged higher on Thursday on the back of reports that the UK was preparing its own backstop deal to guard against the risk of delays in the Brexit negotiations that might see the country simply crash out.
Bonds: Gilts underperform amid reports around Brexit backstop deal
These were the movements among some of the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bonds:.
Results round-up
Beleaguered mother and child retailer Mothercare has confirmed the closure of 50 stores, announced a refinancing package and said it was re-hiring chief executive Mark Newton-Jones, who stepped down last month, as it swung to a full-year pre-tax loss.
Commodities: Brent tops $80 per barrel for the first time since 2014
Moves in the commodities space were muted on Thursday, despite the news headlines around oil after Brent crude futures topped the $80 per barrel mark for the first time since 2014.
Market buzz: Ocado surge 'inflicts pain' on shorts, Footsie hits record close
1704: Not often we have volcano news, but reports from Hawaii say the Kilauea volcano has erupted from its summit, sending a dusty plume of ash about 30,000 feet into the sky.
Europe close: Italian coalition talks, global trade tensions in focus
The main share indices on the Continent finished with across-the-board gains as markets waited on the details of the government coalition deal between Italy's two main anti-establishment parties, the Five Star and the League.
London close: FTSE finishes at record high, Ocado leads retail rally
London stocks closed at a record high on Thursday as a stronger oil price and stronger dollar combined with some well received results from Experian and National Grid.
UK taken to Europe's highest court over excessive pollution
The European Commission is dragging the UK along with Germany, France, Italy, Romania and Hungary before its highest court for breaching legal limits on levels of pollution and for failing to meet the caps set by Brussels on emissions of nitrogen dioxide.
Burberry 'not expensive as a turnaround story', analysts believe
Burberry was given another lift a day after the luxury clothing label's encouraging results as analysts at Credit Suisse, UBS and others lifted their targets for the shares.
Oil reaches $80 mark for the first time since 2014
A warning from the head of France's Total that it will stop development of a key Iranian gas field has pushed oil prices back above $80 a barrel for the first time since 2014.
Broker tips: Wizz Air, Cineworld, Softcat
Analysts at Deutsche Bank initiated coverage on budget carrier Wizz Air on Thursday, choosing to hit the group's shares with a 'buy' rating right out the gate.
Director dealings: Taylor Wimpey chairman's wife lowers stake
Jayne Beeston, the wife of Taylor Wimpey's chairman Kevin Beeston, sold 550,000 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100 housebuilder on Thursday.
US open: Stocks open lower as Dow hit by Walmart and Cisco earnings misses
US stocks opened lower on Thursday, with Wall Street investors keeping a close eye on still-elevated bond yields, trade talks with China and a Dow being weighed down by the likes of Walmart and Cisco Systems.
FTSE 250 movers: Ocado soars on US tech deal; Hill & Smith under the cosh
London's FTSE 250 was up 0. 8% to 20,995. 41 in afternoon trade on Thursday amid a flurry a corporate news.
FTSE 100 movers: Bookies bounce back from FOBT cut; Royal Mail hit by data laws
Credit checker Experian was top of the FTSE 100 gainers board on Thursday afternoon gained after the company said full-year profits fell but revenue growth accelerated towards the end of the year,.
Gresham House acquisition of FIM Services gets FCA green light
Specialist alternative asset manager Gresham House has received formal approval from the Financial Conduct Authority for the proposed acquisition of FIM Services by its wholly-owned subsidiary Gresham House Holdings, it announced on Thursday.
Repeat business and new lines a winner for Churchill China
Hospitality ceramics manufacturer Churchill China has made “good progress” against its objectives in the year-to-date, its shareholders heard on Thursday.
Ceramics and home fragrances drive growth at Portmeirion
Portmeirion Group reported a 15% rise in total group sales for the first four months of 2018 on Thursday, as its shareholders mustered for the company’s annual general meeting.
Staffline trading in line despite tight labour market
Recruitment company Staffline traded in line with board and market expectations in the first four months of 2018, it said on Thursday, as investors gathered for its annual general meeting.
Elecosoft starts 2018 strongly as revenue and profits rise
Elecosoft updated the market on its trading on Thursday, saying 2018 started “well” with revenue for the four months ended 30 April, based on unaudited management accounts, increasing by 7% year-on-year at both actual and constant rates of exchange.