Editor's Picks
Grainger sees cash boost from property sales
Thursday 11 Aug 2011
Grainger the FTSE 250 property company has seen a drop in sales compared to the same period of 2010 and says the economy "continues to be subdued and we anticipate this will continue into the medium term.”
London pre-open: No Wall St. hangover
Thursday 11 Aug 2011
London looks set to ignore last night's shake-out on Wall Street and head higher at the outset, with City traders predicting the Footsie will open with a triple digit gain. US benchmark indices each tumbled more than 4% overnight, on fears over the health of the US economy and also the future of France's AAA rating.
London close: Stocks slide after short-lived rally
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
London’s leading share index almost closed back below the 5,000 point mark after giving up a short-lived rally. Euphoria over US plans to keep interest rates at their current low levels was soon overshadowed by the reason for the plans: the grim economic outlook. Here, the Bank of England has cut its forecast for UK economic expansion this year to 1.4% from 1.8%.
Strong Swiss franc hits sales at Nestlé
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
A strong Swiss franc (SFr) and surging raw material costs meant that group sales at global foods company Nestlé fell by 12.9% in the first half of 2011. The Swiss firm, famous for its KitKat chocolate, Shredded Wheat cereal and Nescafé coffee, reported that group sales fell from SFr47.07bn (£40.14bn) to SFr41.0bn (£34.96bn), with an impact of 13.8% on sales ...
US close: Markets plunge on concerns over France
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
After just one day in the blue, the recovery proved to be short-lived for Wall Street as US benchmarks all tumbled over 4% each. With concerns over the nation's economy still rumbling on in the background, the spotlight turned to the heavily indebted Eurozone, with France this time taking centre stage.
FTSE 100 Movers: Tesco share price knocked by OFT fine
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Tesco saw a dip in its share price following a fine from the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) for fixing cheese and milk prices alongside all the other big supermarkets and a number of dairy groups.
Premium tips: Micro Focus, TUI Travel, Renishaw...
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Brokers were quick off the mark to confirm their buy ratings for Micro Focus, after the legacy software specialist announced on Wednesday that it is trading ahead of expectations: Panmure Gordon reiterated a buy and 416p target price; Merchant Securities also recommended to buy with a target price of 329p; Singer Capital Markets kept its buy rating and 415p target price; while Peel Hunt upgraded
US pre-open: Stocks set to fall after Tuesday's gains
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
US futures are pointing to a weak start following a late surge on Tuesday on the back the Federal Reserve meeting.
Europe midday: Stocks consolidate early gains
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Though the Italian market is slightly in arrears, the reaction of most European markets to last night's statement from the US Federal reserve has been positive.
London midday: FTSE 100 stable for now after gains
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Shares are holding onto most of their gains after rallying on the back of the US Federal Reserve’s announcement that rates will stay low for two years.
UPDATE: Standard Life surges as profits jump 44%
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Operating profits at savings, investments and pensions firm Standard Life jumped 44% in the first half while the company undergoes its "three-year transformation".
Bank of England cuts growth forecasts
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
The Bank of England has cut its forecast for UK economic growth this year to 1.4% from 1.8%. Economic growth is likely to be sluggish in the next year or so as household incomes remain squeezed, but easing inflationary pressures should help it to pick up “gently” next year, the Bank said in its latest inflation report.
Premium broker snap: Brokers confirm buys on Micro Focus
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Brokers have been quick off the mark to confirm their buy ratings for Micro Focus, after the legacy software specialist announced on Wednesday that it is trading ahead of expectations. The group’s upbeat trading statement makes a change from profit warnings, of which there have been two this year. This...
Market overview: Rally loses puff
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
1010: The wind seems to have come out the FTSE 100's sails following this morning's surge and the gains are now looking rather paltry. Standard Life is now leading the risers. Operating profits at the savings, investments and pensions firm jumped 44% in the first half while the company undergoes its "three-year transformation". FTSE 100 up 35 at 5,200.
Confident Interserve serves up dividend boost
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Interserve, the support services and construction group, is maintaining full-year earnings guidance after an encouraging first half of the year.
Good news from Micro Focus at last
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Shareholders in wounded bid target Micro Focus got some good news on Wednesday as the legacy software specialist said it is trading ahead of expectations.
London open: Strong start as Footsie climbs back over 5,200
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Just three stocks were in the red early on, as the Footsie attempted to claw its way back after a week of turmoil in global markets. The US Federal Reserve last night pledged to freeze short-term US interest rates for two years and opened the door to more quantitative easing, in an attempt to restore confidence to nervous investors.
Market overview: Strong start as Fed eases concerns
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
0825: The FTSE 100 registered some big gains in early trading, attempting to claw its way back after the last week of turmoil in global markets. The US Federal Reserve last night pledged to freeze short-term US interest rates for two years and opened the door to more quantitative easing, in an attempt to restore confidence to nervous investors. This seems to have spurred demand for commodities,
French Connection lfl UK sales rise
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
Fashion retailer French Connection said first half profit will be in line with management expectations as it successfully weathers tough conditions on the high street. he clothing and accessories retailer said it saw growth in like-for-like sales at its UK stores despite the difficult market conditions.
HSBC expects $2.4bn gain on sale of US businesses
Wednesday 10 Aug 2011
US bank Capital One has been confirmed as the buyer of HSBC's card and retail services business in the US.
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