Markets close: S&P 500 hits new record high while Iseq outperforms most euro-zone peers

Market report: Travel stocks gain extra mileage from deadline extension

For your diary: Euro zone consumer confidence due and 2018 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year winner

Merck in the past has called the profitable animal health unit a ‘pillar of growth’

New lower income-tax rate encourages US companies to repatriate billions of dollars in foreign profits held abroad

Major investment by proposed by MSD in London ahead of government publication of industrial strategy which lists life sciences as one of four sectors it is targeting

Poor sales at crop protection distributors in Brazil to hit group earnings by up to €400m

Disruption in Russia and Ukraine and spreads to major companies around the world

Company has predicted 2015 core earnings growth to be in the mid-to-high-teen percentage range

Tekmira produced drug prevents virus from replicating in monkeys infected with Ebola

Even the US – by far the world’s most liberal drug market – appears to be asking tougher questions amid recent controversies

Company says agreement must be accepted by 95% of eligibile patients involved in legal action

Research and jobs targeted in massive cuts

C&C puts in stellar performance in Dublin

Authorities have been targetting foreign firms over price-fixing and consumer rights

Shares at company fall 3.1 per cent in premarket trading