1. Bank of England to cut interest rates soon, economists predict after mixed jobs data
The day began with UK unemployment rising to a four-year high, giving the market more confidence that the Bank of England will cut rates again soon.
2. Housebuilders bolstered by Bellway's reassuring update
Shares in housebuilders large and small topped London's leaderboards after a reassuring trading update from mid-cap Bellway that settled some nerves that crept in after a recent sector profit warning.
3. FTSE 100 skirts all-time high, held back as banks fall on rate cut expectations
While it looked on track to set a new record closing high, London's blue-chip index lost momentum in the afternoon, adding almost 21 points to close at 8,853.1.
4. London to launch Pisces private company stock market platforms later this year
It will allow private firms to have their shares bought and sold intermittently, with experts arguing over whether this is a death knell for AIM.
5. Quadrise confirms progress on key projects and leadership transition
Quadrise Chairman Andy Morrison joined Steve Darling from Proactive to deliver a business update highlighting continued momentum across the company’s core initiatives, despite minor delays.
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