Market Pulse
Australian retail sales hit four-and-a-half year low
Australian retail sales dived in August taking the Aussie dollar along for the ride as it slipped from as high as $0. 7865 to as low as $0. 7816 after the data was released, as growing optimism that the recent downturn would reverse took a serious blow.
Asia report: Markets quiet as Aussie retail sales disappoint
Markets in Asia finished mixed but little changed, with much focus turned down under as retail sales data showed Australian consumers were becoming more hesitant with their wallets.
Merlin shares rise on SeaWorld deal talk
Merlin Entertainments shares were top of the London leaderboard on Thursday following a report that it was in talks with marine park operator SeaWorld Entertainment about a potential deal.
London midday: Stocks hold gains as pound slides on political uncertainty
London stocks were still in the black by midday as the pound hit a three-week low against the dollar after Prime Minister Theresa May's shambolic speech at the Tory party conference a day earlier cast doubt over her ability to stay in power.
US pre-open: Stocks seen muted ahead of Fedspeak
US futures pointed to a muted open on Thursday as investors eye a slew of speeches by Federal Reserve officials.
UK new car market enters recession with first September fall in six years - SMMT
UK new car sales fell steeply in the historically strong month of September for the first time in six years to record their sixth monthly decline in a row.
Deltic makes fresh bid for Revolution Bars
Nightclub operator Deltic has laid out its plans for a merger with Revolution Bars after its previous proposal was rejected and despite the company having already agreed a deal with Slug and Lettuce owner Stonegate.
Saudi Aramco IPO remains on track for 2018
Saudi Aramco still plans to make a stock market debut next year, its chief executive confirmed on Thursday.
Avacta enters research collaboration with FIT Biotech
Avacta Group, the developer of ‘Affimer’ biotherapeutics and reagents, announced on Thursday that it has initiated a research collaboration with FIT Biotech to assess the effectiveness of developing gene therapies using its Affimer technology combined with FIT Biotech's ‘gtGTU’ platform.
Intercede pleased with progress in first half
Digital identity, credential management and secure mobility company Intercede updated the market on its trading for the six months to 30 September on Thursday, reporting that first half revenues increased by around 30% compared to the previous period, to more than £3. 6m.
Redcentric confirms Chris Jagusz as new CEO
Managed IT services provider Redcentric announced the appointment of Chris Jagusz as its chief executive officer on Thursday - confirming he would start on 16 October - and updated the market on its trading for the six months to 30 September.
Aura Energy clears regulatory hurdle at Tiris Uranium Project
Aura Energy advised the market that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Tiris Uranium Project in Mauritania has been approved by the Mauritanian Government on Thursday.
Randall & Quilter raises £45m in share placing
AIM-listed non-life insurance and investment specialist Randall & Quilter has raised gross proceeds of £45m through a placing and open offer.
Hemogenyx reverses into Silver Falcon, issues shares to Cornell Uni
Preclinical-stage biotechnology company Hemogenyx began trading on on Thursday after reversing into fully listed cash shell Silver Falcon.
Goldman Sachs upgrades Mediclinic to 'neutral' after underperformance
Goldman Sachs has upgraded Mediclinic to 'neutral' from 'sell' following underperformance.
Eurozone retail sales improve as 'big three' all record growth
Eurozone retail sales strengthened last month as the currency bloc's three largest economies all delivered simultaneous sales growth for the first time in over two years.
Morses tries to capitalise on struggles at rival Provident
Doorstop lender Morses Club enjoyed a "strong" first-half performance as it grew sales thanks to a "significant increase" in its territory coverage amid the troubles at rival Provident Financial, though it failed to improve the bottom line.
DFS Furniture confirms profits below expectations, dividend doubled
DFS Furniture confirmed a disappointing drop in full year profits that came in below City analyst expectations, but steadfastly back the business model to continue delivering cash and return to profit growth in 2018 despite challenging market conditions.
London open: Stocks edge up as pound slips; McCafferty, Haldane speeches eyed
London stocks edged higher in early trade on Thursday as the pound lost ground amid concerns about Brexit, ahead of speeches by Bank of England policymakers Ian McCafferty and Andy Haldane.
Vodafone overhauls global visual identity
Vodafone announced a “significant evolution” of its brand positioning strategy, strapline and visual identity worldwide on Thursday - the first changes to one of the world's best-known brands since the introduction of the 'Power to you' strapline in 2009.