Mining companies traded higher after copper futures jumped to a two-year high in the hopes of rising global demand. ThyssenKrupp announced a restructuring plan for its loss-making steel division and plans to cut production capacity.
The UK-based cybersecurity firm lifted its annual revenue growth outlook. Publicis Groupe said strong growth in all regions drove its organic sales growth in the first quarter.
Philips entered into a settlement with the U.S. government primarily linked to its Respironics business. THG said 2023 revenue declined because of discontinued operations. Barry Callebaut reiterated its full-year sales and operating earnings outlook.
The troubled IT service company announced details of its restructuring plan. Imperial Brands reiterated its revenue and earnings outlook. HSBC said it plans to sell its Argentina business. BP confirmed that it anticipates strong performance in the first quarter.
European markets fell more than 1% amid interest rate uncertainty in the U.S. spilling over to the eurozone. Travel and leisure-related stocks dropped after crude oil prices rose to a five-month high. UK home builders fell after home prices rose at the slowest pace in four months in February.
The UK-based vertical media publishing company reiterated its fiscal year outlook, citing the strength of its U.S. operations. DS Smith confirmed that the company is evaluating competing bids from International Papers and Mondi Plc.
Siemens clarified that the company is not interested in acquiring the British engineering firm Renishaw. Wizz Air said passenger traffic soared in March. Topps Tiles issued a profit warning.
JD Sports reiterated its annual pre-tax earnings range. Spirent Communications accepted an offer from Keysight Technologies. The troubled French grocery retailer confirmed the completion of its financial restructuring.
DS Smith Group confirmed merger talks with International Paper. H&M reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. CRH said it has completed the second phase of the lime operation divestment in the UK and Europe.
Ocado Group reported better-than-expected first quarter results. Nordex won an order to supply and install wind turbines in South Africa. Smiths Group launched a stock repurchase plan.
Belgian insurance company Ageas said it will not make a third takeover offer after Direct Line Insurance rejected two previous offers. Kingfisher issued a cautious outlook after annual profit fell sharply.
The Russian food retailer X5 Retail Group said net sales and profit increases were driven by strong comparable sales and new store openings. Secunet Securities issued a cautious 2024 revenue outlook. Heidelberg Materials proposed to increase the dividend by 15%.
European automakers advanced after passenger car sales jumped in February. Barclays plans to cut hundreds of jobs in its investment banking division. Next reiterated its current-year outlook. Centamin's annual gold production was in line with estimates.
