Full List Of Stories
Hastings confirms takeover approach from consortium led by Sampo, RMI
Hastings confirmed on Wednesday that it has been approached by a consortium led by Finnish insurer Sampo and its biggest shareholder, Rand Merchant Investment Holdings, about a possible cash offer.
FTSE 250 movers: Cineworld loses ground; Aston Martin rallies
London’s FTSE 250 was down 0. 1% at 17,263. 63 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Cineworld shares slump after AMC Entertainment-Universal agreement
Cineworld shares slid on Wednesday after US cinema chain AMC Entertainment and Universal Pictures reached a multi-year agreement that will result in films playing in theatres for less time.
FTSE 100 movers: Next surges on results; Taylor Wimpey retreats
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 3% at 6,145. 28 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Next upgrades annual profit forecast as Q2 sales beat expectations
Retailer Next upgraded its annual profit expectations on Wednesday as it reported a smaller-than-expected decline in full-price second-quarter sales, beating its own expectations and performing ahead of the best-case scenario given in its April trading statement.
Smurfit Kappa reinstates final dividend despite profit fall
Corrugated packaging company Smurfit Kappa reinstated its final dividend on Wednesday despite posting a drop in first-half profit and revenue as the coronavirus pandemic dented demand.
London midday: Stocks edge higher as Next surges on results; Fed eyed
London stocks were higher by midday on Wednesday, boosted by strong performances from the likes of Next and Smurfit Kappa, but gains were modest amid ongoing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic and ahead of the Federal Reserve’s latest policy announcement.
Premier Foods Q2 sales rise 22.5%
Mr Kipling, Bisto and Oxo owner Premier Foods reported a jump in first-quarter sales on Wednesday as more consumers ate at home during the coronavirus lockdown, but said this was expected to return to more normal levels as people start eating out again.
Weir H1 profit slumps as oil & gas markets hit
Weir reported a 41% decline in first-half profit on Wednesday amid challenging conditions in the oil and gas markets.
Dignity profits rise amid coronavirus deaths
Funeral services provider Dignity reported a jump in interim profit and revenue on Wednesday amid a surge in deaths due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Network International raises £205m in placing for DPO acquisition
Payment solutions provider Network International has raised around £205m in a discounted placing to buy African online commerce platform DPO Group.
London open: Stocks steady ahead of Fed announcement; Next surges
London stocks were little changed in early trade on Wednesday amid lingering concerns about a second wave of Covid-19 and as investors eyed the latest policy announcement from the US Federal Reserve.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower amid Covid worries, ahead of Fed
London stocks were set for a weaker open on Wednesday amid concerns about a second wave of Covid-19, as investors eye the Federal Reserve meeting later in the day.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Ofgem, bank dividends, HSBC
The government should prepare to step in with targeted emergency support to help people and businesses that would be hardest hit by a second surge in coronavirus infections, a group of MPs has warned. Sounding the alarm over the uneven impact of the Covid-19 crisis, the commons business committee said there were major gaps in the financial support package rolled out by the government – especially for women and freelance and agency workers. – Guardian.