Market Report
US close: Stocks mostly lower ahead of Fed decision
Stocks on Wall Street finished broadly lower on Tuesday amid quieter trading, as investors held their breath ahead of the Fed’s monetary policy decision on Wednesday and continued to react to worsening trade concerns.
Commodities: Analysts see potential for oil price spike towards $100 a barrel
The market spotlight was firmly on the oil price on Tuesday as West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures continued to trade just off their highest level in four years.
Europe close: Stocks rebound, but Ibex dragged lower by Argentine peso
Stocks rebounded on Tuesday as investors waited on the US central bank's policy decision due the next day and as officials in Beijing struck a more emollient tone.
London close: Oilers lift Footsie to month's highest close
London's blue chip benchmark ended at its highest level this month thanks to a strong showing from retailer Next while the surge in oil prices helped BP and Shell but hit easyJet and British Airways owner IAG.
AstraZeneca drug cuts lung cancer deaths by nearly a third
A clinical study has shown AstraZeneca’s immunotherapy drug Imfinzi to have reduced the risk of death in patients with mid-stage lung cancer by nearly a third in a clinical study.
FTSE 250 movers: Travel back in the sun, Plus500 hit by read-across
London's FTSE 250 was even at 20,506. 16 in afternoon trade on Tuesday.
KRM22 buys Chicago-based Prime Analytics for up to $7.5m
AIM-listed technology and software investment company KRM22 has announced the acquisition of Prime Analytics, a Chicago-based risk management technology company, for up to $7. 5m.
Inspire Brands to buy Sonic Corp in $2.3bn deal
Restaurant company Inspire Brands - the owner of Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco - has agreed to buy Sonic Corp in a $2. 3bn deal that includes the assumption of Sonic’s net debt.
FTSE 100 movers: Next rallies but airlines under the cosh
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 6% to 7,499. 88 in afternoon trade on Tuesday, helped along by retail and oil stocks.
Mortgage Advice Bureau revenues up in first half
Mortgage Advice Bureau Holdings announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June on Tuesday, reporting a 17% improvement in revenue to £57. 9m.
Sector movers: Resources and retailers on the up
Resources stocks and retailers made an unusual alliance to lead the upside on Tuesday, while tech and telecoms were slightly lower.
WYG revenue and profits 'broadly in line' with last year
Project management and technical consultancy WYG updated the market on its trading for the six months ending 30 September on Tuesday, as investors gathered for its annual general meeting, reporting that it expected revenue and operating profit before separately-disclosed items and share-based payments for the half year to be “broadly in line” with the comparative period last year.
Solid demand drives Safestay's first half
Hostel owner and operator Safestay announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June on Tuesday, reporting “good demand” across its portfolio, leading to a strong first half trading performance.
Gross profit rises at Harvey Nash Group
Technology recruitment and outsourcing company Harvey Nash Group announced its unaudited interim results for the six month period ended 31 July on Tuesday, reporting a 7. 2% improvement in gross profit to £51. 68m, or 11. 1% on a like-for-like basis.
Alpha FX flags expectation-beating trading
Foreign exchange service provider Alpha FX Group updated the market on its trading on Tuesday, ahead of the year ending 31 December reporting that trading for the month of September to date had been “particularly strong”.
Purplebricks to launch in Florida as US expansion continues
Hybrid estate agent Purplebricks announced plans on Tuesday to expand its US operations to Florida.
US house price growth ebbs in July
US house price growth edged past forecasts in July, led by gains in the so-called Mountain states, but slowed in annualised terms.
Apple stores launch Spire Health Tags
Apple has selected Spire Health Tag wearable devices to be a featured health product that will be sold in Apple stores globally.
Michael Kors strides into European luxury market with $2.1bn Versace takeover
US fashion giant Michael Kors confirmed a $2. 1bn takeover of Italian high-end fashion house Versace on Tuesday, giving the former a route into the European luxury fashion market.
UK grocers commit to halving food waste by 2030
Large supermarkets and manufacturers are committing to reduce the annual £20bn food waste bill in half by 2030.