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Royal Mail revenues inch up as it braces for Christmas
Royal Mail’s half year revenue increased slightly thanks to its European business, while the FTSE 100 company gears up for the all-important Christmas period by upping its cost saving targets.
Europe open: Stocks flat as investors eye Yellen
European stocks were little changed in early trade as investors paused for breath ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen later in the day.
Kier Group confident on future as government green-lights infrastructure
Construction company Kier Group said it remained on course to meet expectations for the year and looked forward to a rosy future after the government approved large infrastructure building projects such as Hinkley Point and Heathrow airport.
London open: Stocks flat as investors eye retail sales, Yellen
Stocks in London were flat at the open as investors looked to the release of UK retail sales data and a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
Low demand for bull semen brings reduced profits for Genus
Bull semen and animal genetics specialist Genus published a trading update to coincide with its AGM on Thursday, covering the period from 1 July to 16 November.
Hill & Smith sees FY earnings at top end boosted by weak pound
Infrastructure supply and galvanising services group Hill & Smith said it expected to post full year earnings at the top end of expectations, assisted by the slump in the pound after the Brexit vote.
QinetiQ revenue falls, though underlying profit improves
Science and engineering company QinetiQ posted its interim results for the half year to 30 September on Thursday, with orders increasing to £376. 8m, from £228. 4m, although revenue fell to £361. 8m from £370. 9m.
Close Bros hails 'very good' start to year on banking, Winterflood strength
FTSE 250 merchant bank Close Brothers said on Thursday that it has made "a very good start to the year”, mainly on the back of strength in its banking division and higher trading income in market maker Winterflood.
Ted Baker sales strut higher ahead of crucial Christmas
Further overseas expansion helped Ted Baker step up sales growth in the third quarter but the fashion retailer stressed that the Christmas period would determine whether the year will be a success.
CRH nine-month sales up 6%, on track for FY earnings
Building materials group CRH reported a 6% rise in cumulative sales in the first nine months of the year and said it continues to expect earnings for the year to be in excess of €3bn.
Safestore sees full year earnings at top end of expectations
Storage company Safestore said it expected full year earnings to be at the top end of expectations after reporting an 18. 4% rise in fourth quarter revenue to £32. 8m.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher ahead of UK retail sales, Yellen speech
Stocks in London were set to open higher on Thursday as investors eyed UK retail sales data and a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
AstraZeneca completes licensing deal with Allergan
AstraZeneca announced the completion of the licensing agreement between MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm, and Allergan, for the global rights to MEDI2070 on Thursday.
Thursday newspaper round-up: £100bn Brexit hole, RBS, Virgin Money
Philip Hammond will admit to the largest deterioration in British public finances since 2011 in next week’s Autumn Statement when the official forecast will show the UK faces a £100bn bill for Brexit within five years. Slower growth and lower-than-expected investment will hit tax revenues hard, the official forecasts will show, supporting the Treasury’s pre-referendum warnings that the long-term economic costs of Brexit are high. – Financial Times.
Johnson Matthey first half profits down 36%
Pre-tax first half profits at specialist chemicals company Johnson Matthey fell 36% to £210m on revenues of £5. 6bn, down 2%.
Rio Tinto sacks two directors over Guinea payment controversy
Rio Tinto has terminated the contracts of two directors after an internal review into a controversial $10. 5m payment made to a consultant concerning the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.
US close: Stocks lose as Trump rally runs out of steam
A week after Donald Trump's unexpected election victory sent US stocks on a contrarian seven-day surge, the steam finally ran out on Wednesday as banks wobbled and the dollar notched up a 14-year high.