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Judges Scientific posts record H1 profits as China recovers
Judges Scientific on Wednesday posted record interim adjusted earnings on the back of higher order intake and a recovery in China and Hong Kong.
London pre-open: Stocks called higher as UK inflation falls
UK stocks are expected to open slightly higher on Wednesday, though gains are likely to be limited as investors continue to avoid taking on too much risk ahead of central bank meetings at home and abroad.
UK inflation unexpectedly falls to 19-month low
UK inflation unexpectedly fell in August, with the core measure of price growth slowing dramatically, adding to hopes that the Bank of England's next interest-rate hike could be its final one in the current cycle.
Close Brothers buying Bluestone Motor Finance, 3i reports strong sales at Action
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 35 points higher on Wednesday, having closed up 0. 1% on Tuesday at 7,660. 20.
Dunelm sees higher earnings in 2024 as annual profits fall 7.8%
UK homewares retailer Dunelm reported a 7. 8% fall in annual profits as hard-pressed shoppers reined in spending amid the cost-of-living crisis, but expects earnings growth this year on higher volumes.
Close Bros buys Irelands Bluestone Motor Finance
Close Brothers on Wednesday said it was buying Bluestone Motor Finance, a provider of motor finance in Ireland for an undisclosed cash sum.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Oil prices, IPO market, Tony Blair
Rishi Sunak is facing a fresh setback to his target of halving inflation as oil prices hit $95 for the first time this year. The price of Brent crude closed in on $96 per barrel on Tuesday, the highest level since November 2022 as Russia and Saudi Arabia conspire to limit production and push up global costs. Inflation figures published on Wednesday [today] are expected to show the first acceleration in consumer prices since February. Analysts have forecast a 7. 1pc rise for August on the year, up from July when consumer price inflation came in at 6.
US close: Stocks weaker as Fed policymakers meet
Wall Street’s equity markets experienced a downturn on Tuesday as jittery traders, closely watching the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting, caused stocks to retreat by the end of the trading session.