Market Pulse
Bonds: ECB gives 'green light' to summer carry trades, BofA says
These were the movements in some of the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bond yields: US: 2. 25% (-2bp)UK: 1. 21% (+1bp)Germany: 0. 53% (-1bp)France: 0. 78% (-3bp)Spain: 1. 49% (-7bp)Italy: 2. 11% (-8bp)Portugal: 3. 01% (-6bp)Greece: 5. 26% (+0bp)Japan: 0. 08% (+0bp) .
Dalradian to break ground on 30,000 metre surface drilling program
Dalradian Resources has announced commencement of its 30,000 metre drilling program at the Curraghinalt gold project in Omagh, Northern Ireland.
Citi starts Tesla shares at neutral
Citi initiated coverage on shares of American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla with a neutral rating and a $357 price target, which was roughly 10% above the company's then current share price.
Citigroup downgrades BHP Billiton on oil price headwinds
Mining firm BHP Billiton saw its stock rating downgraded to ‘neutral’ by Citigroup on Thursday following the release of its annual production this week.
Commodities: Weaker dollar aids gold and silver buyers
A worse than expected Philly Fed index reading dealt a further blow to US dollar strength today, which has seen gradual weakness since the start of the year as measured by the dollar index (a broad measure of us dollar strength/weakness measured against a basket of currencies) which has seen a fall from 103. 210 in January to 94. 121 today (1700 BST).
FX round-up: Positive retail sales figures fail to excite GBP traders
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics this morning showed an increase in month-on-month UK retail sales, with a print of 0. 6% and year-on-year sales at 2. 9%. Both figures beating market forecasts of 0. 4% and 2. 5%, respectively.
Europe close: Stocks dip as ECB's Draghi dashes hopes for policy change
Stocks failed to overcome the strength in the euro after European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi brushed off any hint of concern about its recent ascent and pushed back on market expectations for an imminent shift in policy guidance.
US open: Traders lock-in profits, focus on tech-giants and Capital Hill
Stocks took a breather following mixed economic data and ahead of key corporate updates from tech heavyweights Microsoft and eBay.
FTSE 250 movers: Challenger banks up on CML mortgage data, silver hits Vedanta
The FTSE 250 extended its winning streak to four days on Thursday, led by retailers and mortgage lenders.
Friday preview: Vodafone, Acacia, AO World updates eagerly awaited
Several companies about which investors have many questions are due for updates on Friday, including quarterly numbers from Vodafone and AO World plus interim results from Acacia Mining, providing equity investors plenty to chew on ahead of next week's results season feasting.
FTSE 100 movers: Ashtead boosted by United Rentals; easyJet flies lower
London's FTSE 100 was up 0. 7% to 7,482. 18 as investors digested the latest data on UK retail sales.
DS Smith announces successful debt issuance
Following its proposed acquisition of Interstate Resources and associated equity and debt financing back in June, DS Smith has announced a successful debt issuance on Thursday.
Venn Life Sciences revenues edge higher
Contract research organisation Venn Life Sciences said its new financial year “started well” in a trading update on Thursday, with contract wins of €5. 7m secured in January and February.
Sales run higher at Science in Sport
Sports nutrition company Science in Sport reported a 28% improvement in sales in its first half on Thursday to £8. 27m, in a period the board said consisted of “strong” sales increases and “significant” progress in the execution of its growth strategy.
Reach4entertainment agrees variation on finance with PNC
Media and entertainment company reach4entertainment has agreed a variation of the covenants on its three-year secured asset base facility with PNC Business Credit, it announced on Thursday, which it said reflected the shift in the weighting of its revenues in 2016 and 2017, which affected the 12-month rolling covenant test.
'We're not there yet, financing conditions favourable' ECB's Draghi says
"We're not there yet", European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi said in his press conference when asked whether monetary policy needed to remain as accommodative as it was.
SafeCharge makes 'solid' start to financial year
Advanced payment technology company SafeCharge said trading in the first half of its financial year was “solid” on Thursday, with the performance of SafeCharge Acquiring “particularly strong” and ahead of management expectations.
Origo continues selldown with agreement to sell Rising Tech
China and Mongolia-focussed closed-end investment company Origo Partners, which is seeking to divest its entire portfolio by November 2018, has entered into binding agreements with ChinaEquity International for the disposal of its 2% equity stake in Rising Technology Corporation and its 1. 6% beneficial interest in Beijing Rising Information Technology.
Philly Fed index falls more than estimated in July
Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region deteriorated more than expected in July, according to a survey released on Thursday.
US jobless claims drop more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.