Latest News
German manufacturing downturn eases slightly - PMI
The downturn in Germany’s hard-pressed manufacturing sector eased marginally last month, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, although it remained in contraction.
Co-op Bank transformation plan 'materially complete' ahead of agreed merger
The Co-operative Bank said on Thursday that its transformation plan was "materially complete" ahead of its agreed merger with Coventry Building Society.
US pre-open: Futures higher following Fed rate decision
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Thursday as investors continued to feast on corporate earnings.
Shell beats estimates as profit hits $7.7bn, unveils $3.5bn buyback
Oil and gas giant Shell on Thursday reported much better-than-expected first-quarter earnings on the back of higher margins from crude and oil products trading and also unveiled a new $3. 5bn share buyback.
LifeSafe shares jump on new deal with Trinity
Fire technology company LifeSafe announced a significant agreement with Trinity Fire & Security Systems on Thursday, involving the supply of LifeSafe's latest line of fire extinguishers filled with multi-purpose fluid, specifically designed to combat various types of fires including lithium-ion battery fires.
Revolution Bars confirms takeover talks with Nightcap
Revolution Bars confirmed on Thursday that it has held "an exploratory meeting" with Piano Works owner Nightcap about a range of possible transactions, including a potential takeover.
BHP deploys team to SA to woo officials over Anglo deal - report
BHP has reportedly deployed a team of senior executives to South Africa as it ramps up efforts to win over government officials, regulators and local shareholders, all of whom could yet determine the outcome of its proposed tie-up with rival Anglo American.
Europe midday: Shares trim losses despite grim EZ survey data
European shares trimmed losses on Thursday as weak manufacturing survey data dampened sentiment as traders returned from the May Day holiday amid another dump of earnings and trading updates.
Hugo Boss shares tank as APAC sales miss forecasts
Shares in Hugo Boss tanked on Thursday despite first-quarter results beating forecasts, as the German fashion group reported falling sales in the key market of China.
London midday: Stocks up but off highs as StanChart surges on results
London stocks were still in the black but off earlier highs by midday on Thursday, helped along by solid performances from the likes of Standard Chartered and Smurfit Kappa, as investors continued to digest the latest policy announcement from the Federal Reserve.
Maersk lifts profit guidance, expects Red Sea disruption to continue
Danish shipping and logistics giant A. P. Møller – Mærsk has lifted its 2024 profit guidance, saying that Red Sea disruptions are likely to continue for the rest of the year.
ING to return €2.5bn to shareholders
Dutch lender ING Groep said on Thursday that it will return €2. 5bn to shareholders following a "very strong" first quarter.
Universal artists to return to TikTok
Universal Music Group has ended its boycott of social media platform TikTok after the two groups struck a new licensing deal.
RBC Capital downgrades Alpha FMC after share price surge
RBC Capital Markets downgraded Alpha Financial Markets on Thursday to ‘sector perform’ from ‘outperform’ following the surge in the share price a day earlier after the financial services consultancy confirmed it had been approached by two parties about a possible takeover.
Ironveld appoints Kristoffer Andersson as CEO
Iron ore mining firm Ironveld has tapped Kristoffer Andersson to take over as chief executive officer.
Tertiary Minerals upbeat on fresh Brunton Pass findings
Tertiary Minerals announced optimistic findings from a recent geophysical survey at its Brunton Pass Copper-Gold Project in Nevada on Thursday.
Kitwave confident despite recent trading weakness
Kitwave Group said in a trading update on Thursday that it was maintaining its performance in line with current market expectations for the year ending 31 October.
Europe open: Shares down on cautious response to Fed, EZ survey
European shares fell in early trade on Thursday as weak manufacturing survey data dampened sentiment as traders returned from the May Day holiday.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Fed stands pat on rates
Asia-Pacific stock markets finished with a mixed performance on Thursday, following the US Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates at the end of its two-day meeting overnight.
UK economic growth to remain 'sluggish' - OECD
UK growth is set to remain sluggish this year, a leading economic organisation forecast on Thursday, weighed down by restrictive monetary policy.