Latest News
UK retail sales bounce back firmly after three-month lull
UK retail sales in February proved much stronger than the market was expecting, sending sterling surging higher on Thursday but unlikely to prevent GDP growth from slowing in the first quarter.
Franchise Brands to buy drains specialist Metro Rod
Franchise Brands has struck a deal to buy drain clearance and maintenance service provider Metro Rod for £28m, which will be partly funded from a £20m discounted equity placing.
Berenberg downgrades Standard Chartered over restructuring concerns
London analysts at Berenberg bank downgraded Standard Chartered to a ‘hold’ rating based on the ongoing restructuring programme at the bank, as well as concerns about the need to restart its capital return.
Asia report: Most markets higher as RBNZ stands pat on rates
Markets in Asia finished mostly higher on Thursday, after a mixed session in the US overnight as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand stood pat on interest rates.
Europe midday: Stocks slightly higher although Trump concerns remain
European stocks were slightly higher on Thursday despite investors' concerns about US president Donald Trump’s economic plans.
Next profits shrink as pursuit of clothing trends hits sales
Clothes retailer Next reported underlying annual profits fell for the first time in eight years and warned 2017 will be "another tough year" due to a shift away from spending on clothing and a squeeze on UK wages.
US pre-open: Stocks seen touch higher ahead of Yellen speech, healthcare vote
US futures pointed to a marginally firmer open on Wall Street as investors eyed a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and a key vote on a healthcare bill.
Ideagen to buy software firm for up to £12m
Information management software provider Ideagen is to buy software firm PleaseTech for up to £12m on a cash and debt-free basis, which will be partly funded from an equity placing.
Science in Sport's shares gain on revenue rise, outlook despite wider FY pre-tax loss
Shares in Science in Sport (SiS) are up almost 3% as investors overlooked a deeper full-year pre-tax loss to a 30% rise in revenue and confirmation of a strong start to 2017 sales.
Ted Baker's tailored plan delivers profits growth but 'external factors' worry
In contrast to the travails of others in the rag trade, Ted Baker reported strong growth in sales and profits last year and, apart from remaining watchful for the impact of "external factors", seemed confident about its expansion path.
Curtis Banks earnings ahead as it integrates Suffolk Life
SIPP provider Curtis Banks Group announced its final results for the 12 months to 31 December on Thursday, with operating revenue rising to £29. 7m from £17m in 2015.
Rockhopper begins international arbitration against Italy over Ombrina Mare project
Rockhopper Exploration says it has begun international arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Italy in relation to the Ombrina Mare project.
One Media iP struggling as consumers flock to streaming
Digital media content provider One Media iP announced its final results for the year to 31 October on Thursday, with revenue slipping to £2. 05m from £2. 52m.
Intelligent Energy surges on US drone deal
Shares in Intelligent Energy surged on Thursday after the company said it has signed a deal with the US’s PINC to supply its air cooled fuel cell systems for unmanned aerial vehicles for an undisclosed sum.
Arbuthnot profit surges after sale of Everyday Loans
Arbuthnot Banking Group announced a profit for the 2016 calendar year of £228m on Thursday, up from £27m in 2015.
RBC Capital downgrades Tullow Oil after 'premature' rights issue
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets downgraded Tullow Oil on concerns about the oil and gas explorer's bid to shrink its debt burden through a rights issue.
German consumer confidence remains high, Gfk finds
German consumer sentiment is expected to worsen in March, according to a survey published on Thursday.
WYG warns on UK profit performance, sees company revenue ahead
Shares in WYG Plc are down almost a fifth after it warned its full-year profit performance in the UK will not be as strong as we expected, but also flagged a double-digit rise in the company's revenue for the period.
Starbucks to create 240,000 jobs globally in four years
US coffee shop chain Starbucks pledged to create almost a quarter of a million jobs worldwide by 2021 during its annual shareholders meeting.
IG Group Q3 revenue down 3.8% in 'quiet period'
Online trading company IG Group reported a 3. 8% drop in revenue for the third quarter, which it referred to as a “quiet period” in global financial markets.