International News
Europe close: Italian stocks outperform on gains in banks
Stocks finished well of their lows of the session, helped by a positive start to trading over on Wall Street, with Italian issues outperforming.
London close: FTSE ends down after Queen's Speech, Haldane's rate-rise comments
Shares in London were under pressure Thursday as sterling zipped ahead on news Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane said he would likely vote for a rate rise later in 2017.
US open: Wall Street mixed despite positive data
The main market indices on Wall Street were trading on a mixed note early on Wednesday despite the release of data showing another drop in oil inventories and stronger-than-expected demand for new homes.
Commodities: Crude extends gains as EIA confirms US stores drop
Crude-oil futures got a mild shove on a sun-soaked Wednesday afternoon in London as fresh official data showed a draw in US stores of the black liquid last week.
Macquarie cuts Brent price forecasts, says OPEC has few options
Macquarie slashed its forecasts for the average price of Brent, predicting that too much oil will be produced, loaded and marketed around the world until 2020.
US crude oil inventories fall for a second week
Crude oil inventories in the States shrank for a second week in a row alongside a drop in gasoline stockpiles, official data showed.
Existing US home sales outpace forecasts in May
Existing home sales in the States rose past forecasts last month as some buyers managed to overcome the challenging market conditions that were prevailing in many areas.
Macron's new government loses third minister as MoDem's Bayrou resigns
François Bayrou, French justice minister and key ally of Emmanuel Macron, has resigned from his position as his MoDem party face allegations of corruption.
Asia report: Markets slip after MSCI China inclusion
Markets in Asia were mostly lower on Wednesday, after confirmation from MSCI that mainland China shares would be included in its emerging markets index on a gradual basis.
US pre-open: Stocks seen weaker as investors keep an eye on oil
US futures pointed to another day of losses on Wall Street on Wednesday.
Macquarie downgrades BP, prefers Total, Galp
The world's oil majors have made substantial progress in boosting their ability to make profits even in a low oil price environment, but low prices were set to strain their finances again over the short-term, according to Macquarie.
Instability worries as Saudi crown prince replaced by son of King Salman
The king of Saudi Arabia has unexpectedly removed nephew Mohammed bin Nayef from his influential role as crown prince and deputy prime minister, replacing him with his son Prince Mohammed bin Salman.