Political News
London close: FTSE up as Lloyds, Barratt lead blue chips higher
Shares in London ended Wednesday on a mixed note after confirmation the UK saw better than expected economic growth at the end of 2016, with blue chips benefiting from a softer sterling.
FX round-up: Sterling, dollar lower as markets anticipate FOMC minutes
Sterling was mostly lower Wednesday as mixed UK economic data reinvigorated Brexit nerves in the market, with investors' attentions now on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes due out at 19:00 GMT.
Commodities: Crude falls as concerns of lingering global glut come to the fore
Crude futures pushed lower Wednesday as some in the market took a view that the global supply glut of the black liquid is set to last a lot longer.
Theresa May promises 'relief' for small businesses, stops short of cash pledge
British Prime Minister Theresa May has reassured business affected by rates rises related to property valuations that there will be "appropriate relief" given to those worst hit, but would not promise any cash to aid those struggling.
Brexit without new trade deal for UK would be 'insane' - Sir Ivan Rogers
Britain's former trade envoy to the EU has slammed the prospect of Brexit without a new trade deal in place as "insane," with markets having sweated for months about the UK's prospects in a post-separation world.
Macron's lead over Le pen widens slightly
French independent candidate Emmanuel Macron´s backing among voters ticked higher on Wednesday, as that for his Socialist contender Benoit Hamon slipped.
Trump administration to crack down on immigrant deportation
US President Donald Trump is set to crack his immigration whip once again as his administration plans a major tightening of its deportation laws on illegal immigrants.