UK stocks eked out small but unconvincing gains on Wednesday as investors weighed the impact of rising Covid-19 cases and the threat of an interest rate rise against ongoing economic recovery.Despite UK consumer prices for September climbing less than expected inflation remains well above the Bank of England's 2% target rate.At the close the FTSE index of leading shares was 5 points higher at 7,22

Leading UK stocks were trading largely flat in early afternoon on Wednesday after Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng ruled out a fresh lockdown amid fears over rising Covid-19 infections.UK consumer prices for September climbed 3.1% against expectations of a 3.2% rise, briefly easing fears of an early rate rise, although inflation remains well above the Bank of England's 2% target rate.Yet UK stoc

UK stocks edged lower on Wednesday in line with most European markets despite another positive session in the US overnight and a slightly better than expected domestic inflation print.UK consumer prices for September climbed 3.1% against expectations of a 3.2% rise, briefly easing fears of an early rate rise, although inflation still remains well above the Bank of England's 2% target rate.Both the

UK shares ended the day stronger with investor optimism lifted by hopes of a US stimulus package being agreed.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are set for talks again today, with hopes growing that the Democrats and Republicans can get a new Covid-19 stimulus package over the line.Having started the day in the red, the UK's benchmark FTSE 100 index closed 0.12% high

The FTSE 100 recouped some of its earlier losses by midday on Tuesday, helped by a falling pound on reports the EU will ignore the UK's Brexit ultimatum, as well as news that US president Donald Trump has returned to the White House.The exporter-heavy index traded relatively flat at 5,939 by 12pm as the pound fell against the euro and dollar.It follows reports from Bloomberg that the EU is prepari

UK shares opened lower on Tuesday with the FTSE 100 index dipping 0.2% to 5,929 points on lingering doubts about the state of economic recovery.Overnight trading in Asia was mixed with China's Shanghai SE Composite down 0.2% and Japan's Nikkei 225 up 0.5%.Gold prices were slightly lower down 0.1% at $1,911 an ounce and Brent Crude was 0.3% higher at $41.3 a barrel. The pound was up slightly agains

Buy into the positive share price momentum at Bluejay Mining (JAY:AIM) as we believe it could be on the cusp of something very big in Greenland. It is confident of becoming one of the world's lowest cost mineral sands producers.Minerals sands contain minerals including ilmenite, rutile and zircon. These are generally used in paints, plastics and other applications that require bright colours.Bluej

Investors are relieved that Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has agreed a settlement over claims it mis-sold toxic mortgage-backed securities in the run up to the financial crisis in 2008. It will pay $1.1 billion which it says is 'substantially covered by existing provisions'. The shares rise 1.2% to 176.62p.Parcel delivery group UK Mail (UKM) has received a 440p takeover bid from Deutsche Post. The

London shares start the week on the back foot in early trade on Monday after the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) warned of a 'gathering storm' in the global economy. In its latest quarterly report Swiss-based bank BIS said the global economy could spiral downwards as markets lose faith in the 'healing powers' of central banks.The UK's benchmark FTSE 100 index slides around 40 points, or 0.

London shares continue their northbound direction in early on Wednesday with investor confidence spurred by relatively stable crude oil prices, with mining and financial stocks once again in favour ahead of perceived safe-haven assets. Europe was firmer, as were Wall Street and Asia overnight.The benchmark FTSE 100 index makes modest gains of around 10 points, or 0.15%, but remaining comfortably a

London shares make healthy gains in early trade on Monday in the wake of a firmer Asia overnight, albeit against a mixed session on Wall Street on Friday. With the Brexit debate no starting to get into full swing markets are likely to remain volatile for the foreseeable future in the UK as the in-out referendum on the UK's EU membership heats up.The FTSE 100 index rallies around 70 points higher,

Moving into profit can be a powerful share price catalyst. In 2015, investors were well-rewarded for owning some of these types of stocks as they 'moved into the black'.Fast-growing high-end tonic water producer Fevertree (FEVR:AIM) gained 246% in 2015 after registering a profit in its first year as a public company. And commercial gas pipeline engineer Fulcrum (FCRM:AIM), which swung back into pr

Don't panic about two directors selling shares in Inspiration Healthcare (IHC:AIM) as we understand it was down to personal reasons and not a reflection of their views in the company's outlook.Chief executive Neil Campbell and sales director Toby Foster sold a combined £225,000 worth of shares at 40p each less than a year after the medical device developer and supplier floated (24 Jun 2015).Nomin

A larger portfolio of products resulting from an acquisition in June is expected to translate into a trebling of pre-tax profits at medical device developer and supplier Inspiration Healthcare (IHC:AIM).Such growth can be bought on an undemanding valuation with the prospective 2.6p earnings per share putting the stock on 14.8 times earnings at 38.5p.Pre-tax profit is forecast to reach £1 million