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London stocks edged up in early trade on Wednesday as investors eyed the latest UK manufacturing data and a policy announcement from the US Federal Reserve.

Wall Street stocks registered heavy losses on Tuesday as market participants awaited the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting and digested more mega-cap earnings.

Amazon profits soared once again in the first quarter of 2024, the company announced on Tuesday – the latest in a series of robust earnings reports for the retail giant. The company attributed the boost to artificial intelligence and advertising sales. Amazon reported overall revenue of $143.3bn in the first three months of the year – up 13% from the same period in 2023 and surpassing Wall Street expectations of $142.65bn. The e-commerce giant reported an increase of more tha...

Shares in financial services consultancy Alpha FMC soared nearly 40% on Wednesday after the company confirmed rumours that it has been approached by two parties about a possible takeover.

UK pharmaceutical giant GSK lifted annual profits guidance on Wednesday, as it pinned its hopes on demand for its respiratory virus and shingles treatments.

London’s FTSE 100 was down 0.3% at 8,117.38 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.

America's central bank stood pat on rates on Wednesday, but refrained from sounding a hawkish note that might tighten financial conditions further.

Equipment rental firm HSS Hire said it expects results for the current year to be in line with market forecasts despite an uncertain macro environment, after it reported a sharp drop in annual profits for 2023 and the resignation of its chief financial officer.

US stock markets finished mostly lower on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve highlighted a "lack of further progress" in bringing inflation down to its 2% target, while data showed private job gains were stronger than expected.

Telecom Plus said on Tuesday that full-year adjusted pre-tax profit was set to be towards the upper end of market expectations after a record year.