Market Report
Europe close: Stoxx 600 drops 1 per cent as bond yields climb
Stock markets across Europe registered steep losses on Wednesday as a renewed rise in bond yields and oil prices drove profit-taking after three days of equity gains.
London close: FTSE falls amid rising bond yields; banks slump
London stocks fell on Wednesday amid rising bond yields and as Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel, with banks pacing the decline.
FTSE 100 movers: Financials in the red; JD Sports rallies
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 8% at 10,458. 94 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Broker tips: Hostelworld, Netcall
Berenberg cut its price target on Hostelworld to 150p from 171p on Wednesday, citing a weaker Q3 shaped by geopolitical headwinds, though it kept its 'buy' rating on the stock and said the group's shift to its social‑driven platform continues to underpin the long‑term investment case.
Director dealings: First Property Group CEO raises stake
First Property Group revealed on Wednesday that chief executive Ben Habib had acquired 300,000 shares in the AIM-listed property fund manager.
US open: Stocks lower as bond yields and oil resume their climb
Major indices were in the red at the opening bell on Wednesday as both Treasury yields and oil prices pushed higher.
Nick Prettejohn to succeed Aubrey Adams as Tritax chair
Tritax Big Box REIT said on Wednesday that it has appointed Nick Prettejohn as its next chair.
Canaccord Genuity bumps up target price on Netcall
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lifted their target price on Netcall to 170p from 160p on Wednesday, saying accelerating cloud momentum and a stronger medium‑term earnings profile support further upside.
Berenberg lowers target price on Hostelworld
Berenberg cut its price target on Hostelworld to 150p from 171p on Wednesday, citing a weaker Q3 shaped by geopolitical headwinds, though it kept its 'buy' rating on the stock and said the group's shift to its social‑driven platform continues to underpin the long‑term investment case.
CRH to buy NCC Industry’s operations in Denmark, Finland
Building materials provider CRH said on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy NCC Industry’s operations in Denmark and Finland from Swedish construction firm NCC AB for an undisclosed sum.
US mortgage applications fall for fifth-straight week
US mortgage applications fell 4. 2% in the week ended 2 October, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, marking a fifth straight decline and taking activity to its lowest level since January 2025.
Hostelworld warns FY earnings will miss consensus expectations
Hostelworld warned on Wednesday that its full-year earnings would fall short of analysts’ expectations, partly due to the conflict in the Middle East weighing on volumes.
Ocado said to be in talks with Coles over robots in stores, shares jump
Ocado surged on Wednesday following a report that Australia's Coles is exploring the use of robots in its supermarkets to pick and pack grocery orders and is in early stage talks with the London-listed company about trialling the technology in one of its Melbourne stores.
US pre-open: Futures slip as yields and oil push higher ahead of Fed minutes
Wall Street futures were in the red ahead of the opening bell on Wednesday, pausing after the S&P 500's latest record high, as both Treasury yields and oil prices pushed higher.
London midday: FTSE stays down as oil prices rise; HSBC slumps
London stocks were still in the red by midday on Wednesday as oil prices rose, with HSBC under pressure on news it’s planning sweeping job cuts in its UK wealth management arm.
Europe open: Rally ends as bond yields, oil price rise weigh
European shares opened lower on Wednesday, snapping a three-day winning streak bond yields rose again and oil prices sat above $100 a barrel after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil pipelines disrupted the recent supply recovery.
Europe midday: Shares extend losses as rally fizzles out on higher bond yields, oil
European shares were down sharply on Wednesday, snapping a three-day winning streak bond yields rose again and oil prices sat above $100 a barrel after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil pipelines disrupted the recent supply recovery.
Galliford Try appointed to £1.6bn University of Oxford framework
Construction firm Galliford Try announced on Wednesday that it has been appointed to £1. 6bn University of Oxford framework.
Frasers Group buys 8.8% stake in US sportswear brand Under Armour
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has bought an 8. 8% stake in US sportswear brand Under Armour.