THE MOST READ
Sterling jumps past 1.28 after report DUP accepts Brexit proposal
Sterling popped back above 1.28 in afternoon trading following a report that the Northern Irish DUP had accepted the Brexit proposals tabled by Westminster, removing the biggest stumbling block to a deal being approved with the European Union.
Brexit negotiations said to be at an impasse
Brexit negotiations in Brussels were reportedly at an impasse on Wednesday.
Thursday preview: EU council summit, Philly Fed index in the spotlight
The focus on Thursday will be on the start of a two-day summit of the European Council, the bloc's highest decision-making body.
FTSE 250 movers: PureTech falls, Mediclinic climbs
London's FTSE 250 was 0.31% lower at 19,134.998 in afternoon trade on Wednesday, as PureTech Health led the index lower.
Broker tips: Bellway, Kenmare Resources, Hammerson
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity raised their price target on British housebuilder Bellway to 3,590p from 3,450p on Wednesday, praising the group for delivering an improved full-year net asset value per share despite falling margins.
London midday: Stocks slip amid Brexit deal doubts
London stocks had slipped into the red by midday on Wednesday amid renewed doubts about a Brexit deal, while souring relations between the US and China also dented the mood.
Jessops reportedly planning to call in administrators
The leasehold property manager of camera chain Jessops is reportedly preparing to call in administrators.
FTSE 100 movers: Hiscox falls on Barclays note; banks gain
London's FTSE 100 was down 0.6% at 7,169.80 in afternoon trade on Wednesday as investors mulled a barrage of Brexit headlines.
Eden Research partner gets Belgium approval for 'Cedroz'
Biopesticide developer and supplier Eden Research announced on Wednesday that its commercial partner, Eastman Chemical Company, has received full authorisation for Eden's nematicide formulation, marketed as ‘Cedroz’ by Eastman, from the Belgian Ministry of Agriculture.
London open: Stocks steady as sterling hit by Brexit woes
London stocks were steady in early trade on Wednesday as sterling was hit by renewed doubts about a Brexit deal, helping the top-flight index to stay afloat despite souring relations between the US and China.
Director dealings: Ashmore director's spouse disposes of shares
Ashmore Group revealed on Wednesday that finance director Tom Shippey's partner, Fay, had disposed of 77,215 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed investment manager.
Mediclinic International outlines 'solid' first half
Private healthcare services provider Mediclinic International updated the market on its trading for the half-year ended 30 September on Wednesday.
Canaccord raises price target on Bellway following strong NAV growth
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity raised their price target on British housebuilder Bellway to 3,590p from 3,450p on Wednesday, praising the group for delivering an improved full-year net asset value per share despite falling margins.
UK inflation holds steady at three-year low
The UK's headline inflation rate was unchanged in September, remaining below the Bank of England's 2% target, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday.
Europe midday: Markets lower as US and China scrap over HK
European stocks were slightly lower at lunchtime on Wednesday as Sino-US relations soured over Hong Kong, while hopes for a swift Brexit deal were dented on worries the Democratic Unionists could still scupper an agreement.
Berenberg lowers price target on Kenmare Resources following Q3 update
Over at Berenberg, analysts cut their price target on Irish mining company Kenmare Resources from 400p to 380p on Wednesday following the group's third-quarter results a day earlier.
Barratt hails good start to year; volume growth seen at lower end of target
Barratt Developments said on Wednesday that the new financial year has started well, with good demand for new homes, and that it continues to expect to grow volumes towards the lower end of its medium-term target.
Bluerock Diamonds confident of profitability after record Q3 production
Bluerock Diamonds on Wednesday reported that third quarter production reached record levels, leaving the company confident of meeting profitability targets for the second half of the year.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: CBI, Latitude Financial, Thomas Cook, Woodford
The Confederation of British Industry has admitted it exaggerated the “eye-watering” £196bn price tag that it claimed Labour’s nationalisation plans would cost. In an email exchange between Labour and the CBI, seen by the Guardian, the UK’s foremost business lobby group told the party it recognised that some of its analysis did not reflect the party’s policy. – Guardian
Wednesday broker round-up
Hammerson: RBC Capital Markets downgrades to sector performer with a target price of 290p.
Rio Tinto iron ore shipments rise in Q3, Segro hails strong quarter
London open The FTSE 100 was called to open 18 points lower at 7,193.
EU issues interim antitrust order against Broadcom until probe ends
US chipmaker Broadcom has been ordered to halt exclusivity deals with six TV and modem makers for up to three years until EU antitrust enforcers finish investigating the agreements, which could be aimed at thwarting rivals.
Augean lifts profit expectations amid solid trading
Specialist waste management company Augean updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, reporting that due to a strong group performance in the third quarter, its profit for the year to 31 December is now expected to be materially ahead of current published consensus market expectations.
Caledonia Mining secures future of electricity supply at Blanket
Caledonia Mining Corporation announced on Wednesday that the electricity supply situation at the Blanket Mine improved “substantially” in late August and September, which it put down primarily to a “timely and coordinated” response from the Chamber of Mines, the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Energy and Power Development and the Zimbabwean Energy Regulatory Authority.
National Express wins new Morocco contract
Transport operator National Express Group said it had won an up to 15-year Moroccan bus contract forecast to generate €1bn in revenues over the term.