Market Pulse - Europe
S&P reaffirms AA rating on UK, outlook clouded by Brexit
Standard&Poor's reaffirmed its rating on the United Kingdom's long-term sovereign debt but warned of the potential impact on the economy from the uncertainty around the Brexit negotiations and their eventual outcome.
Sector movers: Industrial Metals and Mining stocks lead gains
Industrial metals and mining stocks paced gains in the last session of the week on reports of falling copper and zinc stockpiles in Shanghai, amid speculation demand for steel might be set to head higher.
Renishaw gains on speculation probes may be used in iPhone 8
Stock in Renishaw shot higher on speculation the company's products are likely to be used in Apple's iPhone 8.
Week ahead: US FOMC, jobs report, French elections in focus
The coming week is replete with top-tier economic data and potential risk events.
Bank of America- Merrill Lynch sees FTSE 100 at 7,750 in 12 months
Bank of America-Merrill Lynch thinks demand for commodities and the global cycle will push the FTSE 100 to 7,750 points in 12 months' time.
Uber to introduce sick pay for drivers, but some will have to pay for it
Ride-hailing tech firm Uber Technologies is to introduce a system to provide its drivers with benefits such as sick and injury pay in the UK after years of criticism of the company’s employment practices.
Europe midday: Stocks rise amid strong fund flows, economic data
European stocks were seeing some buying interest after data showing inflows into euro area stocks were at their strongest since December 2015 and following the release of several stronger than expected reports on the Eurozone economy, including on money supply dynamics and consumer prices.
UK Q1 GDP - Analysts react
"Within the details of the latest GDP release, sectors with exposure to household spending had the biggest negative impact on growth. For example, the distribution, hotels and restaurants sector saw a contraction of 0. 5% of GDP, which was the first fall for the sector since the end of 2012. The transport, communication and storage sector also saw its first contraction since 2013. Looking ahead, unless households manage to achieve higher pay growth, we are likely to see the cost of living squeeze continue into the second quarter.
Euro jumps as core CPI outstrips economists' forecasts in April
Consumer prices in the euro area beat forecasts by a comfortable margin in April, especially at the 'core' level, as services prices accelerated.
HSBC downgrades Stagecoach, positive on National Express
Analysts at HSBC downgraded their recommendation and lowered their target price on shares of Stagecoach, in light of the company's "high levels" of off-balance sheet debt together with continued concerns around its rail franchise and UK bus operations.
Takeover bid from Japan Tobacco on Imperial Tobacco extremely unlikely, Citi says
A takeover bid for Imperial Tobbaco from its Japanese rival, Japan Tobacco was unlikely, analysts at Citi said.
Smooth sailing for Ultra Electronics despite rough seas
Against a backdrop of continuing regional tensions and conflicts, things were continuing to look up for Ultra Electronics, the company told shareholders ahead of its annual general meeting later in the day.
German retail sales edge past forecasts in March
Retail sales in the euro area's largest economy registered a slight increase last month, led by turnover in the home furnishings, household appliances and builders' ware categories.
Europe open: US tech results weigh on stocks in early trading
European stocks were treading water at the start of the session despite a slightly stronger-than-expected batch of earnings from various US tech heavyweights overnight and amid simmering tensions with North Korea.
French GDP expands as expected in Q1 despite slump in trade
France's economy slowed a tad at the start of the year as household spending took a breather and amid a big drag from foreign trade.