Thursday preview: US initial jobless claims, Remy Cointreau results due
Thursday will see the release of full-year results from Mitie Group, CMC Markets, Capital Gearing Trust and French drinks maker Remy Cointreau, while Lululemon Athletica will publish quarterly numbers across the pond.
Europe close: Stocks fall on renewed US-Iran hostilities
European shares closed lower on Wednesday as renewed hostilities between the US and Iran and weaker global growth forecasts from the OECD weighed on investor sentiment.
FCA warns football clubs over ‘questionable’ sponsorship deals
The Financial Conduct Authority said on Wednesday that it has warned football clubs - mainly in the Premier League - over their sponsorship relationships with a number of unauthorised firms, including crypto businesses and trading platforms.
London close: Mining stocks pull Footsie lower as risk appetite fades
London's FTSE 100 fell on Wednesday for the fourth time in five days as renewed conflict between US and Iran hit sentiment, along with a threat by Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on around 60 countries.
YouTube overtakes Netflix in average daily viewing time, report finds
Alphabet's YouTube topped the list in for global daily audience viewing attention in 2025, overtaking streaming giant Netfix, according to a trend report published on Wednesday by the Digital i agency.
SpaceX to offer shares at $135 apiece to raise $75bn in IPO - report
SpaceX is reportedly planning to offer shares at $135 apiece to raise $75 bn in its initial public offering, as Elon Musk rejects another Wall Street convention by setting a fixed price ahead of the marketing phase of the deal.
Broker tips: GB Group, WPP, Chemring
Canaccord Genuity cut its target price on GB Group from 400p to 365p on Wednesday, saying additional investment in the company's new Go platform would weigh on near‑term margins despite a solid recent update.
Director dealings: Johnson Matthey chairman raises stake
Johnson Matthey revealed on Wednesday that chairman Andrew Cosslett had acquired 6,884 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed speciality chemicals firm.
Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland customers report online banking outages
Customers across the banking subsidiaries of Lloyds Banking Group were affected by app outages on Wednesday, with thousands thought to be unable to access online banking.
EU sets out plans to cut reliance on foreign tech firms
The European Union on Wednesday set out plans to cut Europe’s reliance on foreign technology providers, including strengthening semi-conductor, cloud computing and artificial intelligence capacity.
US factory orders rise 4.8pc in April
US factory orders rose for the fifth time in six months in April, according to the Census Bureau, climbing 4. 8% to $662. 7bn following a 1. 8% increase in March.
FTSE 100 movers: ICG under the cosh; Utilities gain
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% at 10,353. 27 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Landore Resources reports wider full-year loss
Landore Resources reported a wider full-year loss on Wednesday, as the Canada-focused explorer advanced work at its BAM Gold Project in Ontario and raised funds to support drilling and corporate activity.
US open: Stocks lower as Middle East tensions weigh on sentiment
Major indices were mixed early on Wednesday as Middle East developments remained in focus following yesterday's fresh record close.
Macy's lifts guidance as Q1 sales beat forecasts
Macy’s reported higher first-quarter sales and profits on Wednesday, with results coming in ahead of the department store chain's own expectations, prompting management to raise its guidance for the full year.
US services data sends mixed signals as S&P Global PMI stalls, ISM survey strengthens
Two key gauges of US services activity painted a contrasting picture in May, with the S&P Global survey pointing to a near‑stall in private‑sector growth, while the Institute for Supply Management's services PMI showed the sector expanding at its fastest pace in three months - underscoring an economy still grappling with elevated price pressures, softening demand and uneven momentum across industries.
Partners Group caps redemptions, shares slide
Shares in Switzerland’s Partners Group tanked on Wednesday after the alternative investment firm capped withdrawals from one of its flagship funds.
US private sector employment rises more than expected in May - ADP
Private sector employment in the US rose more than expected in May, according to figures released on Wednesday by ADP.
Canaccord Genuity lowers target price on GB Group
Canaccord Genuity cut its target price on GB Group from 400p to 365p on Wednesday, saying additional investment in the company's new Go platform would weigh on near‑term margins despite a solid recent update.