Latest News
SocGen cuts M&S but says worth holding onto for dividend yield
Societe Generale downgraded Marks & Spencer to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ and cut the price target to 424p from 545p following the retailer’s full-year results earlier in the week.
Shire shareholders approve Baxalta merger
Shire’s shareholders have approved the company’s $32bn merger with US-based Baxalta Inc.
UK consumer confidence unexpectedly improves in May, says GfK
UK consumer confidence picked up in May as optimism on personal finances improved, a survey revealed on Friday.
Exane flags concerns around earnings quality at Capita
The quality of Capita´s earnings is weak and both on and off-balance sheet liabilities continue to rise, analysts at Exane BNP Paribas said.
AstraZeneca gets positive breast cancer trial results; potassium drug suffers setback
Phamaceuticals giant AstraZeneca announced positive results for its Faslodex drug for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, but also said US regulators will not currently approve its new drug for high potassium levels because of a manufacturing issue.
Berenberg starts Softcat at 'buy'
Berenberg initiated coverage of Softcat, which provides IT infrastructure to corporate and public sector organisations, with a ‘buy’ rating and a 425p price target.
G7 warns of Brexit risks, EU fast-tracks trade talks with Japan
G7 leaders reached a commitment during their summit in Japan to foster strong global growth while calling attention to the multiple geopolitical risks looming on the horizon, including concerns over North Korea, Russia and the maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
Europe open: Stocks nudge lower as oil retreats, ahead of Yellen speech
European equity markets nudged lower in early trade as oil prices fell back and investors awaited a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
London open: Stocks rise as UK consumer confidence improves
London stocks edged slightly higher on Friday after a report showed an improvement in UK consumer confidence and as investors awaited data on US economic growth.
London pre-open: G7 warns of Brexit risks
Stocks are set for a slightly lower open as traders tread cautiously ahead of a speech by Fed chair Janet Yellen towards the close of trading in London and ahead of the release of key economic indicators Stateside.
Anglo American appoints new De Beers CEO
Anglo American has appointed Bruce Cleaver as chief executive officer of its diamonds business, De Beers, following Philippe Mellier's decision to step down after five years.
HICL Infrastructure nabs stake in Ireland Primary Care Centres Project
HICL Infrastructure Company has acquired a 60% stake in the Ireland Primary Care Centres Project for €11. 6m.
Japan CPI misses forecasts, consumption tax hike may be delayed
A lead indicator for price pressures in Japan fell short of market expectations in April, leading some analysts to caution of the risk that the world´s third largest economy might be on a slippery slope back towards deflation.
Ultra Electronics to sell ID business
Ultra Electronics has agreed to sell its global ID business, Ultra Electronics ID, to private equity firm LDC, for an initial £22m in cash, with additional payments of up to £3m subject to earnings growth over the next two years.
Bodycote revenue drops but full year expectations maintained
Bodycote reported a drop in revenue between 1 January and 30 April, but reiterated its expectations for the year.
Phoenix Group to buy AXA wealth assets
Phoenix Group Holdings has agreed with AXA UK to buy AXA Wealth's pensions and protection businesses, which is the wealth management arm of the French insurer.
Wolseley says Nicholls won't be coming on as CFO
Wolseley said on Friday that Simon Nicholls - the current chief financial officer of Cobham - will not be taking up his role as CFO later this year, as announced back in January.
Finance chief post up for grabs at Wolseley
London open The Footsie is seen starting the day 3 points higher form Thursday´s closing mark of 6,265. 65.
Friday newspaper round-up: Brexit, Hinkley Point, Sports Direct, BHS
G7 leaders warned on Friday that a British vote to leave the EU next month would seriously threaten the world economy, as they promised “more forceful” policies to boost global growth but papered over differences about fiscal stimulus. “There are potential shocks of a non-economic origin,” the leaders said in a declaration issued during their summit in Ise-Shima, central Japan. “A UK exit from the EU would reverse the trend towards greater global trade and investment, and the jobs they create, and is a further serious risk to growth.