Market Pulse
Falling utilities output drags on US industrial production in January
Total industrial production declined by 0. 3% on the month but was flat in comparison to the year ago level, according to the US Federal Reserve.
Empire State manufacturing index smashes expectations
Business conditions in the New York region improved a lot more than expected in February, with the index for the region hitting its highest level in more than two years.
Animalcare Group posts 'very strong' first half
Veterinary medicine supplier Animalcare Group announced its interim results for the six months to 31 December on Wednesday, with the board describing a “very strong” first half for the group, ahead of expectations.
TUI shares fall after German court rules on sick staff compensation
High flying shares Anglo-German travel group TUI hit some turbulence after a Hanover court ruling over flight compensation due to a dispute over staff sick days.
PepsiCo beats earnings estimates as health drive pays off
US drinks and snacks maker PepsiCo has been boosted by its shift in focus towards so-called "guilt free" products, after it surpassed analysts' expectations in its quarterly financial report.
Shanks gets go-ahead for VGG merger
Shanks has received all the necessary approvals from the relevant competition authorities in the Netherlands for its proposed merger with Dutch waste collection company van Gansewinkel Groep B. V. (VGG), which it expects to be significantly earnings enhancing in the second full financial year after completion.
Premaitha Health raisis £1.49m in share issue
Developer of a CE-marked non-invasive prenatal screening system, Premaitha Health, announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to issue to Harwood Capital 17 million new ordinary shares of 0. 1p, subject to admission to AIM, raising £1. 49m at a price of 8. 75p.
Europe midday: US data in focus
Equities on the Continent were continuing to hold higher ahead of a barrage of US economic data and after the US central bank chief Janet Yellen delivered an upbeat view on the economic outlook on the previous day.
US and China to work together on trade, says Ford China chief
The CEO of Ford China said US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are prepared to work together on trade so businesses in both countries can flourish.
Wednesday broker round-up
William Hill: HSBC downgrades to Reduce with a target price of 255p.
London midday: Stocks edge up as investors mull employment data
London stocks edged higher, with financials boosted by unexpectedly hawkish comments from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen on Tuesday, as investors digested news that UK wage growth has slowed but unemployment has picked up.
Beowulf remains baffled by mining permit refusal
Troubled mineral exploration and development company Beowulf said on Wednesday that it has written to the Mining Inspectorate of Sweden, and provided comments on the statement made on 1 February 2017 by the County Administrative Board (CAB) for the County of Norrbotten.
Asia report: Most markets higher, though Toshiba plunges
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Wednesday, with most investors chasing gains in the US overnight after Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen made the case for further rate rises stateside.
Russia rejects US demands to return Crimea
Russia rejected US demands that it return control of Crimea to Ukraine.
US pre-open: Stocks seen muted ahead of data, Yellen
US futures pointed to a muted open ahead of another speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and a slew of data releases.
Acacia Mining's valuation still not stretched, says Jefferies
Gold miner Acacia Mining had its share price target lifted in a bullish note from Jefferies on Wednesday morning.
Goldman Sachs adds Hunting to Conviction List
Hunting shares got a lift as Goldman Sachs reiterated its ‘buy’ rating on the stock and added it to its Conviction List, upping its price target to 734. 3p from 666. 7p.
UK wage growth slows, jobless claimant count drops again
UK wage growth surprisingly slowed in December as the labour market otherwise improved slightly, according to data from the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday.
Karelian reports on 'stunning' diamond discovery
Karelian Diamond Resources announced on Wednesday that it has received a technical report by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) on its diamond discovery in Eastern Finland that was announced on 31 January.
Riksbank stands ready to intervene in FX markets, stays put on rates
Sweden´s central bank warned it could still ease interest rates further to avoid a too rapid appreciation of the Krona - which might jeopardise its inflation target - and decided to prolong its authorisation for intervention in foreign currency markets.