Market Report
FTSE 250 movers: Leisure and transport names pace gains
Leisure related stocks powered Thursday's 3. 44% advance on the FTSE 250 to 16,407. 92.
FTSE 100 movers: Insurers, precious metals miners pace gains
Insurers' shares paced the market advance at the end of the holiday-shortened week, benefiting from the general 'risk-on' environment and positive analyst chatter.
US jobless claims hit 6.6m as Covid-19 takes its toll
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week was much higher than expected as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll, according to figures released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
Europe close: Stocks rise despite doubts around date of lockdown roll-back
Stocks on the Continent finished higher at the end of the week and near their best levels of the session, as investors mulled progress in containing the Covid-19 pandemic and in some cases reassessed the likelihood of a gradual roll-back in social-distancing measures over coming weeks.
Berenberg lowers Assura to 'hold' following 'opportunistic' placing
Analysts at Berenberg lowered real estate firm Assura from 'buy' to 'hold' on Thursday, stating the group's "opportunistic" share placing would stress dividend cover.
Easyjet to defer 24 Airbus jet deliveries over next three years
Easyjet has clinched a deal with jet manufacturer Airbus to defer the delivery of 24 new aircraft over the next roughly three years to boost its short-term liquidity and to ready the business for when the European airspace starts to reopen.
London close: Stocks end short week in the green
London stocks managed to finish the last session of a truncated week in the green on Thursday, as investors spent the afternoon digesting the latest US jobless claims data.
Director dealings: Invinity CEO picks up shares
Invinity Energy Systems revealed on Thursday that chief executive Lawrence Zulch had acquired 40,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed batteries manufacturer.
Saudi and Russian Federation agree on oil output cuts, Journal says
Moscow and Riyadh have reached an agreement in principle to cut their crude oil output.
Broker tips: Assura, William Hill
Analysts at Berenberg lowered real estate firm Assura from 'buy' to 'hold' on Thursday, stating the group's "opportunistic" placing would stress dividend cover.
Federal Reserve to purchase higher-rated junk bonds through new facility
America's central bank stepped up to the plate yet again with plans to provide as much as $2. 3trn in financing for the private sector, especially for small and medium-sized companies, alongside local and state governments.
US consumer confidence sees largest one-month drop ever in April
US consumer confidence registered its largest monthly drop ever in April, although a key gauge of Americans' expectations for the future help up relatively well all things considered.
West Derby project on track despite pandemic, says Dukemount
Dukemount Capital updated the market on the West Derby project in the north west of England on Thursday, reporting that it was still on schedule for completion in August.
UK economy could contract by up to 25% in Q2, says NIESR
The UK economy could contract by between 15% and 25% in the second quarter if the lockdown continues, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) said on Thursday.
Debenhams enters administration for the second time in a year
Ailing department store chain Debenhams officially filed for administration on Thursday, for the second time in a year.
US open: Stocks continue rally as Fed details planned economic support
US stocks opened higher on Thursday following some gloomy data as sentiment got a boost from news that the Federal Reserve was looking to provide as much as $2. 3trn in financing for the private sector.
SocGen's Albert Edwards says real 'bear market' has yet to start
Economic authorities are likely very right in their move towards massive relief measures to limit the hit to economic activity from the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the market's best known bears predicted.
Gama Aviation delays FY results, suspends guidance
Aviation service provider Gama Aviation delayed publication of its full-year results on Thursday and suspended its 2020-21 guidance as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Arc Minerals agrees royalty deal with Golden Square
Arc Minerals has entered into a binding royalty agreement with Golden Square Equity Partners, it announced on Thursday, following the sale of its entire 99. 43% interest in Casa Mining to Golden Square for a consideration of up to $50m, as announced on 18 March.
Volvere posts decent set of results as it faces Covid crisis
Growth and turnaround investment specialist Volvere updated the market on its trading for the financial year ended 31 December on Thursday, saying it expected to report revenue from continuing operations of around £23m, up from £18. 3m, and an overall profit before tax of £3. 1m, stated after a profit arising from discontinued operations of £3. 1m, swinging from a loss of £2. 5m.