Europe close: Markets rise as ECB hikes interest rates
European shares closed higher on Thursday after the European Central Bank raised interest rates as expected, even as the US and Iran again exchanged missile strikes.
London close: Stocks come off highs as oil prices rise on Iran conflict
London’s blue chip index rose on Thursday for the second day, though gains were trimmed by the close of play as oil prices turned higher amid threats of further conflict between the US and Iran.
Amazon's data centres used less water in 2025
Amazon has said its data centre business is three quarters of the way to hitting its water-positive target by 2030, after improving water efficiency by 52% since 2021.
Broker tips: Bellway, Cleantech Lithium
Berenberg cut its target price on Bellway from 2,800p to 2,100p on Thursday after trimming its profit forecasts following the housebuilder's latest trading update.
Dana, Eaton Mobility combine to create $10bn powertrain giant
Shares in American powertrain group Dana dropped on Thursday after the announced merger with Eaton’s mobility business, creating a business with an enterprise value of over $10bn.
FTSE 250 movers: Wizz flies higher; NCC slides as sale ruled out
FTSE 250 (MCX) 23,010. 48 0. 26% .
Canaccord Genuity slightly lowers target price on Cleantech Lithium
Analysts Canaccord Genuity cut their target price on CleanTech Lithium from 19p to 17p on Thursday, but reiterated their 'speculative buy' rating after updating its model to reflect the company's recent equity raise and convertible loan note conversion.
FTSE 100 movers: Intertek gains; Halma slumps on guidance
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 9% at 10,348. 86 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US open: Stocks rise on chip recovery despite fresh Iran strikes
Major indices were in the green early on Thursday as chipmakers staged a rebound and oil prices eased, even after the US carried out further strikes against Iran overnight.
Toscafund gets extension to deadline for Spire takeover offer
Spire Healthcare said on Thursday that the ‘put up or shut up’ deadline for Toscafund Asset Management to make a takeover offer has been extended to allow for further talks and due diligence.
Director dealings: Altitude Group founder raises stake
Altitude Group revealed on Thursday that chief strategy officer Martin Varley had acquired 26,124 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed software firm.
Trump threatens to hit Iran 'very hard', take Kharg Island
Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would hit Iran "very hard" and take control of the country’s vital oil hub, Kharg Island.
US PPI surges past forecasts with strongest annual rise since 2022
US producer prices accelerated again in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the headline producer price index rising 1. 1% on the month and 6. 5% over the year.
FRC launches probes into MFS auditors after firm's collapse
The Financial Reporting Council has launched an investigation into three accountancy firms and several individuals linked to the collapse of the mortgage lender Market Financial Solutions earlier this year.
ECB hikes rates by 25 basis points, as expected
The European Central Bank lifted interest rates to 2. 25% on Thursday, as widely expected.
US pre-open: Futures rebound as semiconductors bounce back, crude pulls lower
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Thursday as chipmakers staged a rebound and oil prices eased, even after the US carried out further strikes against Iran overnight.
Shares in RWS plunge despite profits jump
Shares in RWS Holdings tumbled on Thursday, despite the tech firm posting in-line interim numbers and reaffirming guidance for the full year.
Flutter CEO predicts strong customer additions as World Cup kicks off
The chief executive of gambling firm Flutter Entertainment has said he expects the upcoming World Cup to present a big customer-acquisition opportunity, predicting up to 100,000 bets a minute at peak times.
Europe midday: Shares extend gains despite US-Iran exchanges
European shares extended gains by midday despite the US and Iran once again exchanging missile strikes.