Fidelity Top Stories
US employment costs slow by more than expected at the end of 2023
The cost of hiring workers in the U. S. increased at its slowest pace in years during the final quarter of 2023.
US job openings rise unexpectedly in December
The U. S. jobs market continued to exhibit strength at the end of 2023.
Carnival earnings hit by Red Sea attacks, but says bookings strong
Carnival's annual earnings will take a hit as the cruise line giant is forced to re-route ships that were due to transit the Red Sea up to May this year, the company said on Tuesday, but said strong bookings would offset the impact over the year.
Eurozone Q4 GDP comes in flat, avoids technical recession
The eurozone and European Union managed to avoid a technical recession after official flash estimates showed the economy flatlined in the last three months of 2023.
Germany on edge of recession as GDP contracts in Q4
Germany’s economy contracted in the final quarter of 2023 last year, official data revealed on Tuesday, meaning Europe’s largest economy is close to recession.
HSBC slapped with £57.4m fine for deposit protection failures
HSBC bank has been fined £57. 4m by the Bank of England after admitting serious failings in protecting customer deposits.
SSP Group holds FY outlook after strong rise in Q1 sales
Travel food outlet operator SSP Group on Tuesday held full-year guidance after a strong rise in first-quarter sales as rail and air passenger numbers continued to recover after the Covid pandemic.
Serco shares fall on reported collapse of bid talks
Shares in Serco fell on Friday after a report that American Industrial Partners (AIP) contacted the UK government contractor about a potential bid for the company.
FirstGroup buys York Pullman Bus Co for undisclosed sum
FirstGroup on Friday signed a deal to buy York Pullman Bus Company for an undisclosed sum.
ECB stand pat, committed to lowering inflation to 2.0%
Rate-setters in Frankfurt stayed put on policy at their latest policy meeting, but reiterated their determination to return inflation to 2. 0% in timely fashion.
Dr Martens shares up as guidance held despite Q3 sales slump
Shares in Dr Martens surged on Thursday as investors breathed a sigh of relief that the UK bootmaker held full year guidance after third-quarter revenues slumped by a fifth, driven by a poor performance in the US and from its wholesale channel.
EasyJet sees H1 losses narrowing despite £40m hit from MEast war
Budget airline easyJet said it had taken a £40m hit from the Middle-East conflict, but said it expected first-half losses to narrow and reported positive booking momentum for the summer.
Primark Christmas sales up 2.1% despite warmer weather
Sales at clothing retailer Primark grew 2. 1% on a like-for-like basis over the Christmas period despite warmer weather, parent company Associated British Foods said on Tuesday, adding that it did not expect supply disruptions from attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Crest Nicholson FY profits slump amid tough market; CEO to retire
UK housebuilder Crest Nicholson posted a bigger-than-expected fall in annual profits but said it was encouraged by an increase in customer inquiries as borrowing costs fell, while chief executive Peter Truscott announced he was stepping down to be replaced by Persimmon chief commercial officer Martyn Clark.
FDJ makes €2.6bn offer for Kindred Group
French gambling company La Francaise des Jeux on Monday launched a €2. 6bn takeover bid for Sweden's Kindred Group.
China banks leave key lending rate unchanged, following PBoC
Chinese commercial lenders held benchmark lending rates steady, in line with the country’s central bank decision to leave key policy rates unchanged.
Watches of Switzerland tanks after revenue warning
Shares in Watches of Switzerland tanked by more than a third on Thursday as the luxury timepiece seller slashed its annual revenue guidance on the back of slumping demand for its luxury products and forecast of volatile trading conditions for the rest of the fiscal year.
Dunelm sees FY in line on strong sales but warns on volatility
UK furniture and homewares retailer Dunelm said it expected full-year profit to be in-line with market expectations, as demand remained strong despite the cost of living crisis that has seen consumers rein in spending.
PageGroup warns on profits, cuts staff as firms delay hirings
Recruitment specialist PageGroup said 2023 full year operating profit was expected to be slightly below previous guidance as risk-averse employers delayed hiring decisions globally.
US, UK launch airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen
America and Britain have launched strikes against targets connected to Houthi militants in Yemen in retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, US President Joe Biden said early Friday.