Market Pulse
US midday: Wall Street starts holiday-shortened week higher
Wall Street has begun the holiday-shortened week in good form as traders try to shake off two consecutive weeks of losses.
Europe close: Stocks extend bounce despite political gridlock in Berlin
Stocks on the Continent managed a higher close, overcoming an initial downdraft following German Chancellor Angela Merkel's inability to craft a stable working coalition at the weekend.
UK election regulator to probe Leave campaign over Brexit payments
The UK electoral regulator has opened a new investigation to establish whether one of the main pro-Brexit campaign groups broke election spending rules.
London close: Homebuilders jump ahead of Budget
Shares reversed early losses to close higher on Monday amid a solid performance from housebuilders, as investors digested German Chancellor Angela Merkel's failed attempt to craft a new government coalition.
Barclays can beat low expectations in coming quarters, Merrill upgrades
Barclays shares have lagged the European banking sector in 2017 and for Bank of America Merrill Lynch sit at a low enough level to beat exceptions in the coming months and have been upgraded to 'buy'.
Summit Therapeutics completes initial dosing trials on muscular dystrophy drug
Biopharmaceutical company Summit Therapeutics has completed an initial 24-week phase 2 clinical dosing trial of Ezutromid, its orally administered small molecule utrophin modulator, in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Australian interest rates will remain at record lows for another year - IMF
Australian interest rates could remain at their record lows for up to a year more, the International Monetary Fund said on Monday.
Director dealings: Qinetiq boss collects 50,000 shares
Steve Wadey, chief executive officer of defence contractor Qinetiq Group, picked up 50,000 ordinary shares in the firm on Monday morning at a cost of 206. 82p each.
Tlou Energy raises £2.4m, prepares to list in Botswana
Botswana and southern Africa-focussed coalbed methane developer Tlou Energy has entered into conditional subscription agreements with investment funds managed by African Alliance Botswana, a “leading asset manager” based in Botswana, it announced on Monday.
FTSE 250 movers: Diploma rallies on results; Spire slides
London's FTSE 250 was up 0. 4% to 19,871. 12 in afternoon trade on Monday.
Barclays chooses CRH as new 'top-pick' in European construction sector
CRH's euro-denominated shares have replaced those of Eiffage as Barclays's 'top pick' within the European Construction, Building, Materials and Infrastructure sector.
FTSE 100 movers: Barclays boosted by Merrill upgrade; Shire hit by Roche news
London's FTSE 100 was up 0. 2% to 7,394. 52 in afternoon trade on Monday as investors digested political events in Germany and looked ahead to this week's Budget.
Tuesday preview: Public finances, results from CRH, Easyjet, Kingfisher and Johnson Matthey
Tuesday offers a prelude to a particularly keenly watched Autumn Budget the follow day from Philip Hammond, while it's a busy day of corporate results are due from the likes of CRH, Easyjet, Kingfisher and Johnson Matthey.
ADVFN forms conference venture for cannabis, blockchain tech
Financial market information provider ADVFN announced on Monday that, following the MJAC2017 exhibition organised by its US platform InvestorsHub. com, and launched in Los Angeles during September, its has formed a new venture titled MJAC InvestorsHub International Conferences.
Shire appoints Thomas Dittrich as CFO
Biopharmaceutical company Shire said on Monday that Thomas Dittrich will take up the role of chief financial officer early next year following a transition period from his current employer, Swiss engineering and manufacturing group Sulzer.
Mitie first-half profit drops despite revenue rise
FTSE 250 outsourcer Mitie posted a drop in profit for the first half on Monday despite a rise in revenue, as it continues to invest in its cost-saving programme.
GCM Resources completes £2m fundraising
London-based resource exploration and development company GCM Resources raised approximately £2. 0m in gross proceeds, putting the company on a stronger footing to further the mine mouth plant proposal in Northern Bangladesh together with its strategic partner CGGC.
Bonmarche doubles profits in first half, warns of near-term uncertainty
Womenswear retailer Bonmarche saw revenue increase 5% in the six months leading to 30 September as online sales helped the firm through an otherwise "difficult" trading environment.
Improved market conditions boost profits at 600 Group
Industrial products designer and distributor The 600 Group increased profits over its first trading half thanks to a revenue boost from improved market conditions.
Mediclinic withdraws as Spire Healthcare rejects renewed offer
Mediclinic International has walked away from talks to take over Spire Healthcare after the UK-focused hospital operator rejected a renewed offer.