Analytics, News, and Forecasts for CFD Markets: stock news — 22-04-2014.

European stocks were up today. The significant event was a deal between GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Novartis AG. Novartis AG agreed to buy Glaxo’s cancer-drug business. The better-than-expected consumer confidence in the EU had also a positive influence on stock markets. The value of consumer confidence in March was -8.7 (forecast: -9).

GlaxoSmithKline Plc climbed 5.4%. Novartis AG shares rose 2.5%.

AstraZeneca shares increased 5.0%, caused by rumours about a potential AstraZeneca acquisition by Pfizer.

Philips shares dropped 4.5% after the publication of the weak first quarter results.

Telenor ASA shares - Norwegian telecommunications operator – rose 4.5%. The reason for the increase is the deal of VimpelCom Ltd. VimpelCom Ltd. wants to sell a majority stake in its Algerian unit Djezzy. The deal will provide $ 4 billion in cash. Telenor is the owner of a 33.1 percent stake in VimpelCom.

U.S. stock futures rose slightly as investors awaited existing home sales data and weighed earnings from some companies.

Global markets:

Nikkei 14,388.77 -123.61 -0.85%

Hang Seng 22,730.68 -29.56 -0.13%

Shanghai Composite 2,072.83 +7.00 +0.34%

FTSE 6,695.76 +70.51 +1.06%

CAC 4,475.24 +43.43 +0.98%

DAX 9,560.47 +150.76 +1.60%

Crude oil $103.35 (-0.98%)

Gold $1289.50 (+0.05%)

According to the published data, the profit in the 1st quarter was $ 1.32 per share (forecast: $ 1.27 per share). Revenue climbed 2.4 % to $ 14.74 billion (forecast: $ 14.72 billion).

The company raised its earnings forecast for the full fiscal year 2014. The projected income is $ 6.65 - $ 6.85 per share (forecast: $ 6.83) in the fiscal year 2014. Previously, the company forecasted revenue at $ 6.55 - $ 6.85 per share.

UTX shares rose to $ 118.70 (+0.34 %) in premarket trading.

According to the published data, the profit in the 1st quarter of the fiscal year was $ 1.21 per share (forecast $ 1.24 per share). Revenue increased 1.4% to $ 6.70 billion (forecast: $ 6.71 billion).

Global sales climbed 0.5% in the reporting period. The company said they expect positive sales data for April.

MCD shares rose to $ 100.50 (+0.83%) in premarket trading, despite the worse-than-expected results in the first quarter.

European stocks climbed resuming trading after Easter holidays. The key driver of the increase was a deal between GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Novartis AG. Novartis AG agreed to buy Glaxo’s cancer-drug business.

Focus continues on tensions in Ukraine.

GlaxoSmithKline Plc climbed 5.4%. Novartis AG shares rose 2.5%.

AstraZeneca shares increased 7.8%, caused by rumours about a potential AstraZeneca acquisition by Pfizer.

Philips shares dropped 6.6% after the publication of the weak first quarter results.

Current figures:

Name                                Price                              Change        Change %

FTSE 100                       6,691.32                       66.01             1.00%

DAX                            9,527.97                       118.26                1.26%

CAC 40                           4,470.28                       38.47             0.87%

Asian stock markets has shown a mixed trend today. The markets were subdued caused by the tensions in Ukraine. A slowdown in the Chinese economy is the key factor to put pressure on Asian stock markets. Market participants are waiting for tomorrow’s publication HSBC Manufacturing PMI in China.

Many of chinese stocks dropped today by concerns about a potential share oversupply. The Chinese securities regulator released the draft to list 28 new companies.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 14,388.77 -123.61 -0.85%

Hang Seng 22,730.68 -29.56 -0.13%

Shanghai Composite 2,072.83 +7.00 +0.34%