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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.
Strong US consumer spending prompts upward revision to Q4 GDP
Revisions to fourth-quarter GDP figures showed that the US economy grew at a faster-than-expected rate at the end of 2023, according to data out on Thursday from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
FTSE 250 movers: AO, Spirent surge; Ithaca slides as it goes ex-div
FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,876. 51 0. 33%.
FTSE 100 movers: JD Sports surges; utilities in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 5% at 7,974. 56 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
Broker tips: DFS, JD Sports
Analysts at Berenberg downgraded their recommendation for shares of DFS Furniture from 'buy' to 'hold' on anticipation that management's guidance for improved demand in mid-2024 would prove premature.
Berenberg downgrades DFS, prefers Dunelm
Analysts at Berenberg downgraded their recommendation for shares of DFS Furniture from 'buy' to 'hold' on anticipation that management's guidance for improved demand in mid-2024 would prove premature.
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.
Consumers confident in March that inflation will soften, U. Michigan says
Consumer confidence in the U. S. improved slightly in March amid lessened concern about inflation, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
US open: Stocks inch higher as economic data beats forecasts
US stock markets opened slightly higher on Thursday morning, but gains were modest as the S&P 500 continues to trade at record highs ahead of the long weekend.
Walgreens Boots Alliance grows Q2 sales but cuts profit target
Shares in American retail pharmacy chain Walgreens Boots Alliance rose on Thursday despite the company cutting its annual targets due to challenging conditions in the US, as sales in its second quarter came in ahead of expectations.
Pantheon Resources reports planning and funding progress
Pantheon Resources reported progress in its development planning and funding initiatives in an update on Thursday.
Berenberg impressed by "exceptional" dealmaking at Diploma
Berenberg has hiked its target price for controls, seals and life sciences equipment firm Diploma by 16%, saying there is "a lot to like" about this week's acquisition of US-based specialty fasteners business Peerless.
US jobless claims little changed during latest week
The U. S. jobs market remained tight during the preceding week.
Kitwave buys Total Foodservice in £21m deal
Wholesaler Kitwave announced the acquisition of Total Foodservice Solutions on Wednesday, an independent food wholesaler operating in the North of England.
London midday: Stocks maintain gains ahead of Easter break
London stocks were still firmer by midday on Thursday as investors shrugged off data confirming the UK fell into recession in the second half of last year.
James Latham revenue still in line with forecasts
James Latham said in a trading update on Thursday that fiscal year revenue had remained in line with market forecasts, with stable cost prices seen for both timber and panels.
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.
Hutchmed cancer treatment indication accepted for review in China
Hutchmed China announced a significant milestone in its cancer treatment work on Thursday, with the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for savolitinib had been accepted for review by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
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.
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.