Market Report

Asia report: Most markets rise as BoJ stands pat on policy
Most markets in Asia finished higher on Thursday, as investors reacted to the swearing-in of Joe Biden as president of the United States, as the Bank of Japan held monetary policy steady.

Canaccord Genuity slightly lowers target price on Cairn Energy
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity slightly lowered their target price on Cairn Energy from 220. 0p to 210. 0p on Thursday, citing challenges resulting from "a greater imperative for a transaction" in a higher oil price environment.
Clipper Logistics secures contract with luxury fashion platform Farfetch
Clipper Logistics has entered into an agreement with luxury fashion platform Farfetch to provide pan-European e-fulfilment and returns management services from a new facility in Venray, Netherlands.

Sanderson Design's brand product sales stronger than expected in December
Interior design and furnishings group Sanderson Design said on Thursday that brand product sales in December had been stronger than initially expected.

Sumo Group flags forecast-beating revenue and earnings
Video game and entertainment creative and development service provider Sumo Group said on Thursday that its revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2020 were expected to be ahead of consensus market expectations, with adjusted EBITDA for the year of at least £16m.

Ashtead Specialty business a game changer, says Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank upgraded its stance on equipment rental firm Ashtead to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ on Thursday and hiked the price target to 4,100p from 3,000p, based on "growth opportunity and lower cyclicality", as it said the Specialty business is a game changer.

Team17 beats expectations as it acquires more game IP
Video game label, creative partner and developer Team17 said on Thursday that its performance in 2020 was ahead of its expectations, with year-on-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth of around 34% and 36%, respectively.

Chamberlin receives revised orders from BorgWarner
Castings and engineering group Chamberlin said on Thursday that it has now received revised orders from a client that had previously indicated its intention to part ways with the company.

EMIS Group finishes year 'marginally ahead' of expectations
Healthcare software and systems company EMIS Group said on Thursday that, following an improvement in the second half, trading for 2020 was “marginally ahead” of its expectations, with both revenue and adjusted operating profit maintained at similar levels to the prior year.

Serica Energy performs well as Rhum licence gets renewed
Serica Energy has received a renewed licence and secondary sanctions assurance from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) relating to the North Sea Rhum field, it announced on Thursday, in which it has a 50% interest.

Dotdigital sees decent growth in first half
Marketing software provider Dotdigital said on Thursday that its organic revenue from continuing operations rose by 22% in its first half, to £28. 2m.

Image Scan secures contract with Royal Air Force
X-ray imaging specialist Image Scan said on Thursday that it has been awarded a contract to supply three portable scanning systems to the Royal Air Force.
Europe open: Shares up on US stimulus hopes as Biden takes charge
European stocks started Thursday with a spring in their step after the inauguration of new US President Joe Biden with investors now looking for an increased package of stimulus measures to boost the battered economy.

London open: Stocks edge up amid Biden cheer
London stocks edged higher in early trade on Thursday, underpinned by stimulus hopes as investors welcomed the start of Joe Biden’s US presidency.

Robinson FY revenues and profits improve in 2020
Plastic and paperboard packaging manufacturer Robinson said on Thursday that full-year revenues and earnings were projected to have grown year-on-year in 2020.

Eve Sleep revenue rises, losses narrow in 2020
Direct-to-consumer bed company Eve Sleep said its revenue improved 6% in 2020 to £25. 2m, driven by 18% growth in the second half.

Countryside Properties Q1 trading in line with expectations
Property developer Countryside Properties said on Thursday that its first-quarter performance was in line with expectations, with total completions and average sale prices both growing during the period.

Ibstock finishes year ahead of expectations
Ibstock said on Thursday that it saw a continuation of improving market trends during the fourth quarter of 2020, with “encouraging” activity levels seen across its key end-market segments.

AJ Bell first-quarter assets under management, net inflows rise
Investment platform AJ Bell reported a rise in first-quarter assets under administration and net inflows on Thursday as its customer numbers grew.

Tate & Lyle appoints Vivid Sehgal as new CFO
Tate & Lyle has appointed Vivid Sehgal as its chief financial officer with effect from 1 May.
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