Fidelity Top Stories
German business confidence improves in January, led by expectations, Ifo says
Business confidence in the euro area's largest economy improved by as much as expected at the start of 2023, the results of a closely followed survey showed.
UK Amazon workers stage first ever strike over 50p pay rise offer
Amazon workers have started their first ever strike in the UK in a dispute with the ecommerce giant over pay.
Primark sales rise 15% over Xmas as customers hit city centres
Primark owner Associated British Foods on Tuesday posted a 20% rise in sales during the Christmas period as consumers continued to hunt for bargains amid the cost-of-living crisis and return to city shopping centres.
Euro area business activity stabilises in January, PMIs show
Business activity in the single currency bloc steadied at the start of 2023 thanks to lower energy prices and optimism around China's reopening, the results of two closely followed surveys revealed.
National Express wins €1bn German rail contract
National Express Group said Its German business had won a €1bn contract to operate the RE1 and RE11 Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) train lines to 2033.
Primary Health Properties buys Ireland's Axis for undisclosed sum
Primary Health Properties has bought Irish property management business Axis Technical Services and signed a long-term agreement providing access to a strong pipeline of future primary care projects in Ireland, the company said on Monday.
Balfour Beatty wins £1.2bn UK roads contract
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty said it had been awarded a £1. 2bn contract by Britain’s National Highways to deliver a package of works for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.
Spirent shares plunge as customers delay investment decisions
Shares in telecoms testing company Spirent Communications slumped on Friday as the company said it expected earnings to be weighted towards the second half as customers delayed investment decisions.
SSE lifts earnings forecast as gas prices surge
Power generator SSE upgraded annual earnings expectations as higher gas prices and better storage offset lower-than-expected renewables output.
Philly Fed index improves a little in January, price gauges ease
Manufacturing sector activity in the US mid-Atlantic region at the start of 2023 improved a little, the results of a very closely followed survey revealed.
ECB's Knot says investors 'underestimating" rate hikes pace
The European Central Bank will not stop with one single 50 basis point hike at its next rate-setting meetings, said board member and Dutch central bank governor Klass Knot, who also chided investors for underestimating increases.
Europe midday: US recession fears push stocks lower
European shares extended losses as US policymakers flagged further rate rises this year, sparking fears of a recession in the world's biggest economy.
Europe open: Shares fall on US recession fears; Dr Martens booted
European shares opened lower on Thursday as US policymakers flagged further rate rises this year, sparking fears of a recession in the world's biggest economy.
Dunelm lifts guidance as consumers look for warming bargains
Homewares retailer Dunelm said it expected annual profits to be above expectations as consumers sought value for money and stocked up on warm bedding and heated airers amid the cost of living crisis.
BHP sees China driving iron ore demand this year
BHP reported record first-half iron ore production and said it expected China to drive commodity demand this year as it opened up from stringent Covid restrictions.
Melrose spin-off unit reports FY ahead of forecasts
Melrose Industries said its soon to be demerged automotive, powder metallurgy and hydrogen businesses reported better-than-expected profits and revenue last year.
Marshalls LfL sales up 1%; sees FY in line despite weaker market
Landscaping and building supplies provider Marshalls said it expected to deliver full-year profits in line with expectations despite weaker market conditions in the final quarter as inflation started to hit sales.
Fed's Bullard argues in favour of continuing 'rapid' rate hikes
A top US central bank official argued in favour of hiking interest rates by 50 basis points at its next meeting to ensure that inflation would fall back to the monetary authority's 2. 0% target.
Cazoo to slash jobs, founder steps down as car trader hit by sales slump
UK online car retailer Cazoo is slashing more jobs and closing customer service centres in response to a fall in sales, with founder Alex Chesterman stepping down as chief executive.
Monthly US retail sales miss forecasts by wide margin
US retail sales softened by much more than expected towards the end of the previous year.