Europe close: Stocks manage gains despite Middle East tensions
European stocks held gains on Thursday despite the latest exchange of strikes between the US and Iran overnight.
London close: FTSE 100 slips to two-week low as AstraZeneca drops
The FTSE 100 finished marginally in the red on Thursday, bucking the positive trend seen across global stock markets on the back of losses across London's pharma, defence and oil sectors.
US existing home sales fall, but prices hit record high
Existing home sales in the United States unexpectedly declined in June, according to the National Association of Realtors, though home prices soared as affordability trends picked up.
US jobless claims fall to six-week low
Claims for unemployment benefits in the United States unexpectedly fell last week, according to the Department of Labor, hitting their lowest level since the middle of May.
Friday preview: Hays update, Delta Air Lines results eyed
On Friday, recruiter Hays will publish a trading update for the quarter to 30 June, while Delta Air Lines will release quarterly results in the US.
Broker tips: Saga, Auction Technology
Berenberg initiated coverage of Saga on Thursday with a ‘buy’ rating and 1,025p price target as it anticipates "plain sailing ahead".
Cornish Metals reports positive assay results from first Roskear hole
Cornish Metals said on Thursday that the first drillhole from its ongoing Roskear surface drilling programme at the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall had returned positive assay results, including several intercepts outside the current mineral resource estimate.
FTSE 100 movers: AstraZeneca slides on drug trial results; miners rally
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 2% at 10,473. 04 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
US open: Stocks edge higher but Iran conflict limits upside, PepsiCo drops
New York stocks inched higher on Thursday morning as oil prices pulled back following a recent surge, though gains were limited as investors weighed the latest developments in the Middle East and the potential for an escalation in conflict between the US and Iran.
PepsiCo shares drop on gloomy outlook despite Q2 beat
PepsiCo shares dropped in New York on Thursday after the drinks and snacks group flagged pressure from unpredictable commodity prices and weaker North American food sales, despite posting higher second-quarter profits.
ECR Minerals identifies new gold target at Lolworth
ECR Minerals said on Thursday that laboratory assay results from the Butterfly Creek prospect had identified a new drill-ready gold target at its wholly owned Lolworth project in North Queensland.
Playtech sees FY earnings above forecasts despite H2 slowdown, shares surge
Gambling software maker Playtech said it expected annual earnings to be “significantly” above estimates after a strong performance in the first six months of the year, sending shares in the company surging more than 17%.
Capita tanks again on profit warning as civil service pension crisis grows
Capita's troubles deepened and its share price spiralled again on Thursday as the UK government outsourcer warned profits would be hit by up to £40m as a result of its disastrous handling of the civil service pension contract.
Life of Sizewell B to be extended by 20 years
The UK government has agreed to extend the life of Sizewell B by twenty years, it was confirmed on Thursday.
RBC Capital lifts price target on Auction Technology
RBC Capital Markets lifted its price target on Auction Technology on Thursday as it upgraded its model to reflect cost-savings driven upgrades.
Berenberg starts coverage of Saga at ‘buy’
Berenberg initiated coverage of Saga on Thursday with a ‘buy’ rating and 1,025p price target as it anticipates "plain sailing ahead".
Informa names former Reuters boss Tom Glocer chair
Media group Informa has named former Thomson Reuters Group veteran Tom Glocer as its next chair.
Workspace hits back at Saba's 'high-risk' plan ahead of key vote
Workspace Group hit out at Saba Capital Management on Thursday, as it urged shareholders to reject "flawed" plans by the activist investor to break up the business.
London midday: FTSE stays down as AstraZeneca tumbles on drug disappointment
London stocks were still weaker by midday on Thursday, dragged lower by heavy losses for AstraZeneca, as Donald Trump suggested Iran still wants to strike a peace deal despite escalating tensions between the US and Tehran.