European stocks rose on Tuesday amid hopes the Middle East conflict is nearing an end and as investors picked up battered tech names, but indices ended well off their highs after a hotter-than-expected US inflation print boosted December rate hike expectations.
On Wednesday, investors will eye trading updates from broadcaster ITV, Spirax Group and housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.
London stocks gave up earlier gains to finish in negative territory on Tuesday, despite oil prices continuing to fall back on hopes the US-Iran conflict could be coming to an end.
Anthropic is seeking a valuation of up to $1. 4trn when it debuts on Wall Street, it was confirmed on Tuesday, as the company behind the Claude chatbot kickstarted its investor roadshow.
European shares were within reach of record territory on Tuesday led by chip stocks - which shrugged off the scandal engulfing AI darling Nvidia - and a weaker oil price as US President Donald Trump played down military escalation against Iran with officials from both sides preparing for talks in Abu Dhabi.
Analysts at Berenberg reduced their target price on AB Dynamics to 1,350p from 1,700p on Tuesday following the group's full-year results, citing a tougher outlook for growth and margins amid continued disruption across the global automotive sector.
4imprint shares slid on Tuesday despite the promotional products marketer saying full-year results are set to be in line with expectations, with the board reaffirming guidance for 2026 revenue to be slightly above last year's $1. 35bn and adjusted pre-tax profit of around $130m.
Canaccord Genuity raised its target price on Zoo Digital to 31p from 22p on Tuesday and reiterated its 'buy' recommendation on the stock after first-half results pointed to an accelerating recovery in trading and profitability.
Amazon's Prime Air drone delivery service has been granted regulatory approval to expand operations in the north-east of England, increasing the number of eligible households to 8,000 from around 600.
Major indices were in the red early on Tuesday open as investors digested a hotter-than-expected inflation reading and assessed fresh comments from Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller, who signalled that further monetary tightening remains on the table.
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 1% at 10,794. 33 in afternoon trade on Tuesday.
Shore Capital maintained a 'buy' rating on Funding Circle on Tuesday after a "positive update" from the fintech group in which upgraded its full-year outlook.
Germany’s Infineon Technologies posted a surge in fourth-quarter earnings and forecast further growth on Tuesday, as the chipmaker cashed in on the rapid build out of data centres.
Zotefoams revealed on Tuesday that non-executive director Jack Clarke had acquired 4,290 ordinary shares in the London-listed polymer foams manufacturer.
Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller has backed further interest rate increases to tackle stubborn US inflation, warning that the central bank may need to raise borrowing costs by as much as 50 basis points in December to maintain its credibility.
US consumer prices rose less sharply in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, offering some relief after September's stronger-than-expected reading, although higher food and energy costs continued to put pressure on households.
Metlen Energy & Metals said on Tuesday that it has agreed to sell four solar parks in the UK with a combined capacity of around 119 MW to Nala Renewables.
Princes Group reaffirmed full-year guidance on Tuesday, after the tinned tuna specialist shrugged off tough market conditions to post a jump in third-quarter earnings.
Analysts at Berenberg reduced their target price on AB Dynamics to 1,350p from 1,700p on Tuesday following the group's full-year results, citing a tougher outlook for growth and margins amid continued disruption across the global automotive sector.
