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London open: Stocks steady as investors mull retail sales, GDP
London stocks were little changed in early trade on Friday as investors mulled the latest UK GDP and retail sales figures, and continued to assess the impact of Trump’s auto tariffs.
German consumer confidence stabilises, but uncertainty remains
Consumer confidence in Germany has stabilised at a low level as sentiment was supported by the recent elections, though rising preferences to put money away still indicate a cautious attitude.
UK economy performed better than expected in 2024 - ONS
The UK economy grew more strongly than initially thought last year, official data showed on Friday.
Haleon launches £330m share buyback programme
Haleon launched a share buyback programme of up to £330m on Friday, representing the remaining portion of the £500m allocated for repurchases in 2025.
Diversified Energy raises $300m to repay existing debt
Diversified Energy announced on Friday that it has raised $300m through the successful placement of new senior secured notes maturing in April 2029.
UK retail sales beat forecasts - ONS
UK retail sales jumped in February, official data showed on Friday, comfortably beating expectations.
WH Smith sells high street stores to Modella Capital for £76m
WH Smith has sold its UK high street business to Modella Capital for an enterprise value of £76m on a cash and debt-free basis in a deal that will see the chain rebranded as TGJones.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower; retail sales in focus
London stocks were set to fall at the open on Friday following negative sessions in the US and Asia, as investors continued to mull the impact of Trump’s auto tariffs.
Good Energy margin gains drive annual profits higher
A significant improvement in margins at Good Energy was able to offset a big slump in revenues, with the renewable electricity and energy services provider reporting a double-digit increase in profits for 2024.
SSE promotes commercial chief to CEO, WH Smith sells UK high street business
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 23 points lower on Friday, having closed down 0. 27% on Thursday at 8,666. 12.
SSE appoints chief commercial officer as new boss
Energy group SSE has promoted its chief commercial officer Martin Pibworth to the CEO position, replacing current boss Alistair Phillips-Davies who will formally leave the company this summer.
Friday newspaper round-up: Energy bills, net zero, HSBC
British bill payers remain exposed to another energy crisis while facing “worryingly high” energy debts and some of the highest electricity costs in the world, parliament’s spending watchdog has warned. The public accounts committee (PAC) said ministers had not put in place sufficient safeguards to shield households against another energy crisis or taken steps to permanently reduce Britain’s energy prices. – Guardian.
US close: Stocks slip as investors weigh Trump's auto tariffs
Wall Street stocks ended lower on Thursday as investor sentiment was weighed down by persistent concerns over president Donald Trump's tariff proposals and a slightly stronger-than-expected US economic growth report for the fourth quarter.