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Europe open: Stocks gain ahead of OPEC decision
European stockmarkets started the day higher, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street ahead of a decision later in the day from OPEC on whether to extend its output cut deal from last November.
Revenue rises at Inchcape as it acquires Estonia business
Independent multi-brand automotive distributor and retailer Inchcape announced on Thursday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire “premium Estonian automotive operations”, focused on “exclusive distribution” for BMW Group, from United Motors.
Qinetiq FY profit up as orders grow, dividend lifted
Qinetiq reported a rise in full-year profit as revenue and orders grew and the company lifted its dividend.
Aviva starts £300m share buyback
Aviva announced on Thursday that it will commence a share buy-back of its ordinary shares for up to a maximum consideration of £300m.
London open: Stocks little changed ahead of GDP data
London stocks were little changed in early trade as investors digested the latest Federal Reserve minutes and awaited first-quarter economic growth data for the UK.
United Utilities ups dividend as cash flow benefits from accounting rejig
North West water company United Utilities upped its dividend 1. 1% after a year where revenue and profit both leaked modestly lower but it remained confident of meeting its long-term targets.
Wizz Air reports record profit, sees no impact from Brexit
Central and Eastern European-focused low-cost airline Wizz Air reported record profit for the year to the end of March despite "challenging" conditions including low fares and increasing fuel prices.
Caledonia Investments proposes bumper special dividend
Caledonia Investments proposed paying a bumper special dividend to shareholders after posting a sharp increase in its full-year returns and realising some of its investments.
Card Factory hails 'good start to year' as LFL sales grow
Card Factory hailed "a good start to the year" on Thursday, as it said first-quarter like-for-like store sales were at the upper end of its targeted range of 1% to 3% growth.
Tate & Lyle full-year profit up 85%, boosted by FX
Tate & Lyle reported an 85% jump in full-year pre-tax profit on Thursday, underpinned by a weaker pound and a solid performance from both divisions.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher; Q1 GDP eyed
London stocks were set for a firmer open on Thursday, taking their cue from positive sessions in the US and Asia as investors digested the latest Federal Reserve minutes and awaited first-quarter economic growth data for the UK.
Thursday newspaper round-up: RBS, Opec, Glencore
The TUC has urged the next government to take action to boost pay as it warned that borrowing to top up wages was poised to breach the record levels hit just before the financial crisis of a decade ago. Frances O’Grady, the TUC general secretary, expressed alarm at the steady increase in unsecured debt – which excludes mortgages – and called for a higher minimum wage and an end to the tough pay curbs in the public sector. – Guardian.
Shawbrook expands into first charge mortgages
Shawbrook announced two deals to expand its mortgage portfolio while expanding into a new segment of the market.
Retail network growth pushes PayPoint revenue higher
Payment systems provider PayPoint posted its preliminary results for the year to 31 March on Thursday, claiming “good growth” in its core retail networks as gross revenue rose 3. 6% to £203. 4m.
UK car manufacturing output falls significantly
UK car output tanked last month, with the industry blaming the effect of Easter bank holidays and unplanned production changes.