Market Pulse - Europe
Europe close: Slights gains ahead of ECB
European equities finished the session slightly higher as investors looked to the European Central Bank’s policy decision on Thursday and a potential tax reform announcement in the US later in the day.
Deutsche Bank executive warns Brexit could endanger 4,000 jobs
One of Deutsche Bank's top executives has warned as many as 4,000 jobs at the lender could be at risk due to Britain's impending departure from the European Union.
FTSE 250 movers: Aggreko gains ahead of update, Tullow gushes lower
London's FTSE 250 index was up 0. 5% to 19,670. 48 in afternoon trade.
FTSE 100 movers: Standard Chartered rallies on results, GKN drops
London's FTSE 100 was up 0. 2% to 7,287. 12 in afternoon trade as investors digested comments from US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who confirmed that Donald Trump plans to cut corporate tax to 15% from 35%.
Merlin Entertainment hotels could lift share price to 800p - Morgan Stanley
The plan by Merlin Entertainments to add hotels to their theme parks is underappreciated by the market, said Morgan Stanley on Wednesday as it set a bullish share price target for the years ahead.
Walker Greenbank FY profit rises, divi bumped up
Luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank posted a jump in full-year profit and upped its dividend on Wednesday.
London midday: Stocks drift ahead of Trump's 'big announcement' on tax
London stocks were drifting sideways by midday as investors sifted through corporate news and held off from making any big bets either way ahead of US President Donald Trump's announcement on tax reform.
Standard Chartered Q1 profit nearly doubles to $1bn
Emerging markets-focused bank Standard Chartered reported a near doubling of its first-quarter profits on Wednesday as revenue rose and loan impairment declined.
RBS, HSBC Saudi units studying possible merger
HSBC and RBS´s partially-owned Saudi units were exploring a potential merger which would result in the creation of the Kingdom's third-largest lender.
Santander shares slip despite beating first quarter forecasts
Spain's largest lender posted better-than-expected quarterly profits thanks to a strong performance in almost all regions - especially in Brazil, UK and Spain - and a drop in its non-performing loan ratio.
Canaccord highlights potential in Rockhopper and Eland Oil&Gas
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity highlighted the favourable prospects for junior oil explorers Rockhopper and Eland Oil&Gas.
Peel Hunt upgrades Bellway, downgrades Savills
Peel Hunt upgraded Bellway to 'add' from 'hold' and went the other way on Savills as it took a look at UK housebuilders and estate agents.
Plus500 revenue drops but earnings rise; new chairman announced
Online trading platform provider Plus500 reported a 9% drop in revenue for the three months to the end of March, as it announced a change of chairman.
London open: Stocks little changed as investors eye Trump announcement
London stocks were little changed in early trade on Wednesday as investors sifted through corporate news and awaited a big announcement on tax reform from US President Donald Trump.
HSBC downgrades Severn Trent on asset resilience issues
Analysts at HSBC downgraded their recommendation on shares of Severn Trent in view of the regulator's new push for the sector to increase its 'resilience', which in the case of Coventry-based Severn meant roughly £230. 0m of additional capital outlays.
Nichols highlights challenging UK market
Soft drinks group Nichols cautioned on Wednesday that the UK soft drinks market will remain challenging this year, as it said full-year earnings are anticipated to be in line with market expectations.
Jefferies downgrades Next to 'underperform'
Jefferies downgraded retailer Next to 'underperform' from 'hold', keeping the price target at 3,500p.
French consumer confidence steady heading into critical 'run-off' vote
French consumer confidence was steady in April amid a sharp fall in fears of becoming unemployed with more people believing now was a good time to carry out large purchases.
Europe open: Stocks slip as euro gains ahead of ECB meeting
European stocks started the morning drifting lower ahead of Thrusday's European Central Bank policy meeting, despite a record close overnight in the tech-heavy US Nasdaq index, amid decent corporate earnings and strong gains for Asian equities this morning.
Boohoo annual profit nearly doubles
Online fashion retailer Boohoo. com said on Wednesday that profit in the year to 28 February nearly doubled as revenue surged following a "momentous" year.