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US close: Stocks recover from three days of losses
Shares on Wall Street showed signs of recovery on Wednesday, with all major indices edging higher amidst low trading volumes following three consecutive down sessions.
Europe midday: Shares hold gains despite German retail sales slump
European shares were on Thursday ahead of the Easter break as investors mulled UK GDP data confirming the economy entered recession last year and a handful of corporate updates.
German retail sales fall unexpectedly in February
German retail sales unexpectedly fell in February, according to official data published on Thursday, showing that consumer spending was unable to drive economic recovery.
Thames Water in crisis as investors pull £500m bailout
Struggling UK utility Thames Water faced a funding crisis on Thursday as shareholders pulled a £500m bailout after regulators refused its demands to hit customers with massive price hikes, greater leniency for polluting waterways and pay out higher dividends, while its parent company also admitted it couldn't pay back a £190m loan.
Home Depot to buy SRS Distribution in $18.25bn deal
Home Depot said on Thursday that it has agreed to buy SRS Distribution, a residential specialty trade distribution company, for around $18. 25bn.
US pre-open: Futures hold steady ahead of economic data
US stock futures were pointing to a flat start on Wall Street on Thursday as investors paused for breath ahead of a long weekend, with yet more economic data on tap.
JD Sports shares up despite 'challenging' market, January sales slip
JD Sports Fashion shares jumped on Thursday as investors breathed a sigh of relief that a trading update essentially reaffirmed guidance after a profits warning in January, despite continuing “challenging” trading and flat like-for-like fourth-quarter sales.
AO World sees FY profit 'at least' at top end of guidance
Electrical retailer AO World said on Thursday that FY24 adjusted pre-tax profit was set to be "at least" at the top end of the guided range of £28m to £33m.
JD Sports update provides 'sense of relief', says Shore Capital
Shore Capital has reiterated its 'buy' rating for JD Sports after a reassuring trading update from the sportswear and footwear retailer, which has given the stock a boost as it recovers after a profit warning at the start of the year.
Asia report: Aussie stocks jump as yen languishes
Asia-Pacific markets finished with a mixed performance on Thursday, in a day of contrasts across the region.
3i Infrastructure expects to hit targets with annual results
Infrastructure investment group 3i Infrastructure said trading towards the end of its financial year has been in line with expectations with its portfolio performing well and delivering strong earnings growth.
Quiz announces board changes amid subdued trading
Shares in clothing retailer Quiz were sliding on Thursday morning, after it reported continued subdued trading alongside significant changes to its board, as part of a strategic review.
Europe open: Shares up as investors mull UK GDP; JD Sports in fashion
European shares opened higher on Thursday ahead of the Easter break as investors mulled UK GDP data confirming the economy entered recession last year and a handful of corporate updates.
International Public Partnerships manages 5pc dividend growth
Infrastructure investment company International Public Partnerships reported full-year dividend growth of 5% in its full-year results on Thursday, to 8. 13p per share, in line with the increased dividend target it had set earlier.
London open: Stocks edge up as investors mull GDP data; Spirent surges
London stocks edged up in early trade on Thursday, taking their cue from an upbeat session on Wall Street, as investors digested data confirming the UK fell into recession in the second half of last year.
Capricorn Energy announces $50m special divi alongside results
Capricorn Energy announced plans for a proposed $50m special dividend alongside its full-year results on Thursday.
888 reaches deal to sell US B2C operations for undisclosed amount
Gambling group 888 has announced that it is selling its B2C operations in the US to online sports betting and interactive gaming company Hard Rock Digital after a strategic review of the business.
UK regulator decides against in-depth probe of Aviva/AIG deal
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority on Thursday said it would not open an in-depth investigation into Aviva's £460m acquisition of AIG Life UK.
Data confirms UK fell into recession last year
The UK economy fell into recession in the second half of last year, according to final figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics.
Keysight outbids Viavi in £1.2bn takeover of Spirent Communications
Keysight Technologies has reached a deal to buy Spirent Communications for £1. 16bn, outbidding US peer Viavi Solutions which had already agreed to take over the UK telecoms group earlier this month.