Friday,26 April 2024 17:01:34

Market Report by Email

If you would like to receive the daily Market Report by email please fill out your name and email address in the sign-up form below and you will be added to our mailing list.

Friday,26 April 2024 at 16:00

UK and European markets closed higher, regaining momentum after a dip in the previous session.

US stocks bounced back on Friday as Alphabet and Microsoft earnings revived hopes for a Big Tech-led rally, even as a reading on the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge showed price pressures remain sticky.

Gold prices held gains after data showed that U.S. inflation rose in line with expectations, but the safe-haven metal was on track for a weekly fall as some geopolitical risk premiums eased.

Oil prices were flat but remained on track to end higher this week after two straight weeks of losses.

In corporate news, NatWest posted a less-than-expected 27% fall in first-quarter earnings, with pre-tax operating profits falling to £1.3bn from £1.8bn a year earlier.

Analysts were forecasting a figure closer to £1.2bn.

"NatWest Group has delivered a strong set of results for the first quarter - with an operating profit of £1.3 billion - as we remain focused on the priorities we set out in February, which will help us shape the future of this bank," said chief executive Paul Thwaite.

Markets

At the close

FTSE 100 8,139 +0.75%

FTSE 250 19,824 +1.13%

DAX 18,166 +1.39%

At 16:55

Dow Jones 38,218 +0.35%

S&P 500 5,100 +1.03%

NASDAQ 15,445 +1.99%

Fixed Income

UK 10-YR YIELD 4.328

Exchange Rates

GBP/USD 1.247

GBP/EUR 1.167

Commodities

Gold $2,336 +0.21%

Brent $88.27 +0.40%

Important - No news or research item should be construed as a recommendation to trade. The inclusion of securities within this report does not necessarily imply their suitability for individual portfolios or situations in respect of which further advice should be sought. Information contained in this report has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable but is not warranted to be accurate or complete.