Latest News
US pre-open: Stocks set for another day of gains
US stocks looked set for another day of gains on Thursday a day after the Federal Reserve decided to stand pat on rates but suggested a hike would come later this year.
WPP to invest in French media investment group LNEI
WPP said on Thursday that it will invest in French media investment group Les Nouvelles Editions Independantes (LNEI) as it looks to focus more on Western Continental Europe following the Brexit vote.
Mortgage lending increases 7% in August, says CML
Mortgage lending in the UK increased month-on-month in August, as fears over the fallout from the Brexit vote on the housing market proved to be "wide of the mark”, the industry body for bank and building societies said on Thursday.
Mission Marketing hikes interim dividend after acquisition boost
Mission Marketing, the marketing communications and advertising group, announces a rise in earnings after further acquisitions in the first half.
Panmure Gordon to invest up to £2m in PrimeXtend
Institutional stockbroker and investment bank Panmure Gordon will make a cash investment of up to £2m in PrimeXtend, a business focused on the evolution of agency broker services.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd revealed as director of two Bahamas' companies
British Home Secretary Amber Rudd is facing calls to resign after a Guardian investigation found leaked information regarding undeclared business practices in the Bahamas.
Big Six energy company profits to drop 22%, Jefferies warns
Seeing "significant headwinds" for the Big Six energy companies profits due to increased competition and lower power prices, broker Jefferies has downgraded Centrica and Drax to 'underperform' ratings.
Mitchells & Butlers recent trading boosted by weather but FY sales down
Pub group Mitchells & Butlers reported a drop in full year sales but a rise in the most recent eight weeks of trading, as it reiterated that full-year margins will be below the previous year.
Asia report: Markets higher as central banks stand pat
Markets in Asia were higher on Thursday, as uncertainties around key central bank decisions melted away for the moment, with both the Bank of Japan and the US Federal Reserve standing pat on rates on Wednesday.
Broker tips: Dunelm, BBA Aviation, Pearson
Dunelm Group’s shares rose on Thursday as HSBC initiated the stock at a ‘buy’ rating and target price of 1,000p.
Lamprell H1 revenue up but swings to loss on Ensco settlement
UAE-based oil rig maker Lamprell reported a rise in first-half revenue but said it swung to a loss, partly as a result of its settlement with Ensco.
Lloyds of London warns on Brexit as it reports first half earnings
Lloyds of London warned that Brexit poses a “major issue” for the insurance market as it reported its first half earnings.
Sophos says US jury awards Finjan $15m in damages
FTSE 250 security software company Sophos Group said the jury in the lawsuit brought by cybersecurity firm Finjan has awarded Finjan a one-time damages payment of $15m.
DJI Holdings says looking at opportunities for new contracts in China
Chinese technology, content and services provider DJI Holdings said it is pursuing a number of opportunities for new contracts in China and also plans to strengthen its board with new non-executive appointments.
HSBC initiates Dunelm Group at 'buy'
Dunelm Group’s shares rose on Thursday as HSBC initiated the stock at a ‘buy’ rating and target price of 1,000p.
Barclays starts BBA Aviation at 'overweight'
BBA Aviation got a boost on Thursday as Barclays initiated coverage of the stock at 'overweight’ with a 280p price target.
LondonMetric Property pays down bank debt with £130m bond sale
FTSE 250-listed investment group LondonMetric Property has raised £130m through an institutional placing of senior debt to pay down its bank debt and allow it to increase investment in the long-let logistics market.
Europe open: Stocks push higher as Fed leaves rate on hold
European stocks pushed higher in early trade following positive leads from the US and Asia after the Federal Reserve stood pat on rates but suggested a hike would come later this year.
Exane downgrades Pearson, sees more turbulence ahead
Exane BNP Paribas downgraded education publisher Pearson to ‘neutral’ from ‘outperform’ and cut the price target to 900p from 1,000p saying it fears more turbulence ahead.
London open: Stocks gain as Fed stands pat
Stocks in London rose in early trade, taking their cue from positive sessions in the US and Asia after the Federal Reserve stood pat on rates but suggested a hike would come later this year.