Europe midday: Stocks rally after US election results, oil prices ease
European stocks posted big gains on Wednesday after the momentous US mid-term election results the previous evening, with investors seemingly shrugging off data showing eurozone inflation jumped to a three-year high as oil prices fell again.
London midday: FTSE surges as banks and miners rally
London stocks had surged by midday on Wednesday, with banks and miners pacing the advance as investors mulled the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the US midterm elections.
Eurozone growth slows to four-month low - PMI
Eurozone economic growth slowed in October, a closely-watched survey showed on Wednesday, as new orders weakened and inflationary pressures intensified.
Eurozone inflation hits three-year high in October
Eurozone inflation hit a three-year high in October amid rising energy costs, according to figures released on Wednesday by Eurostat, boosting expectations the European Central Bank will hike rates next month.
Weir slides despite backing guidance as investors fret over Q4 delivery
Mining technology firm Weir traded lower early on Wednesday even as it reiterated full-year guidance and reported an 8% increase in third-quarter orders, with investors choosing to focus on execution risks rather than underlying demand.
Democrats sweep to victory in US midterms
The Democrats have taken control of the US Congress, after voters overwhelmingly rejected Donald Trump’s Republican party in historic midterm elections.
Growth in UK services sector hits eight-month high in October
Growth in the UK services sector hit an eight-month high in October, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
Asia report: Markets mixed as investors eye US midterms
Asian stock markets were mixed on Wednesday as results from US midterm elections raised fresh concerns about AI-related spending, regulation and the direction of US fiscal policy.
Europe open: Stocks rally as investors assess implications of US midterms
European stocks rose in early trade on Wednesday as investors mulled the implications of the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the US midterm elections.
Lion Finance shares rise on Q3 profits growth, capital returns
Shares in Lion Finance Group, formerly Bank of Georgia Group, surged on Wednesday after the lender reported a 21% jump in third-quarter profits and announced an increase in its dividend alongside a further share buyback.
Trainline reaffirms outlook on 'robust' first half
Trainline posted improved interim earnings and reaffirmed guidance on Wednesday, after its international business swung into the black for the first time.
Novo Nordisk lifts FY guidance amid continued momentum in GLP1s
Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk lifted its full-year guidance on Wednesday as it pointed to continued momentum in GLP1s.
JD Wetherspoon sales grow 8.2pc in Q1 as pub chain extends industry-beating run
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon said on Wednesday that like-for-like sales rose 8. 2% in the first 14 weeks of the financial year, with total sales up 9. 1%, as the group continued to outperform the wider hospitality sector.
'Challenging' conditions hit reservations at Barratt Redrow
Housebuilder Barratt Redrow reaffirmed full-year guidance on Wednesday, despite "challenging" market conditions hitting reservation rates and completions.
Coca-Cola HBC lifts guidance upgrade after strong third quarter
Shares in Coca-Cola HBC fell on Wednesday morning despite the soft drinks bottler raising its full-year revenue guidance after reporting strong third-quarter growth, driven by higher volumes and pricing.
London open: FTSE nudges up as investors mull US midterm results
London stocks nudged higher in early trade on Wednesday as investors mulled news the Democrats have won the Senate and the House in the US midterm elections.
Lancashire gross written premiums stable in first nine months of the year
Lancashire Holdings said on Wednesday that it was on track to deliver a high-teens return on equity in 2026 as it reported broadly stable gross written premiums for the first nine months of the year.
Interim profits surge at M&S despite 'onslaught' of costs
Marks & Spencer Group posted a surge in half-year profits on Wednesday and reaffirmed full-year guidance, as the high street retailer rebounded from 2025’s devastating cyber attack.
Marks & Spencer H1 profits surge, JD Wetherspoon Q1 LFL sales rise 8.2pc
LONDON PRE-OPEN The FTSE 100 was expected to open 43. 2 points lower ahead of the bell on Wednesday, after wrapping up the previous session 1. 14% weaker at 10,638. 43.
Smith & Nephew cuts annual guidance as US orthopaedics struggles
Medical technology group Smith & Nephew cut its full-year revenue and profit forecasts on Wednesday as weakness in its US hip and knee implant businesses continued to weigh on performance, despite an acceleration in third-quarter sales growth.