Fidelity Top Stories
US retail sales grow by less than anticipated in February
Retail sales in the U. S. grew by less than expected last month.
Trainline sales, revenues surge on UK, intl demand
Online ticketing platform Trainline reported sales at the top end of expectations as fewer strikes in the UK and competition for passengers in Italy and Spain saw revenues also beat forecasts.
Energy prices nudge US CPI inflation higher in February
The cost of living in the U. S. was little changed last month but did not dip as much as anticipated amid the rising cost of energy.
Currys slumps as Elliott walks away from takeover talks
Shares in Currys slumped on Monday as US private equity firm Elliott Advisors pulled from the race to take over the UK electrical retailer after "multiple attempts” to discuss an offer were rebuffed.
US non-farm payrolls grow more quickly than expected in February, but details softer
Hiring in the U. S. continued at a strong clip last month, albeit alongside a very clear slowdown in wage growth.
Europe open: Shares edge ahead after record day; Mondi/Smith deal in focus
European markets edged ahead at the opening as investors turned their attention to weekly US jobs data.
UK regulator warns T&L Sugars/Tereos deal could raise sugar prices
Britain's competition regulator on Friday said that the Tate & Lyle Sugars purchase of UK & Ireland assets from France’s Tereos could result in higher sugar prices for UK shoppers.
Currys gets green light for sale of Greek business
Currys said regulators had approved the sale of its Greek and Cypriot retail business Kotsovolos to Public Power Corporation for an enterprise value of €200m (£175m).
Coats sees 'modest' revenue rise on market recovery
Industrial threads maker Coats said it expected “modest” revenue growth this year as markets recovered in the second half after reporting higher 2023 profits.
Aviva in £300m share buyback as FY profits rise 9%
UK insurance giant Aviva on Thursday unveiled a £300m share buyback and better-than-expected 9% rise in full-year earnings on a strong increase in general insurance premiums.
ITV profits slump amid weak ad revenues
UK broadcaster ITV reported a 41% fall in annual profits as weak ad revenues offset a record performance from its studios unit.
Europe open: Stoxx weak ahead of ECB; Virgin surges on takeover
European markets were in the doldrums at the open on Thursday, with investors awaiting the outcome of the European Central Bank’s policy meeting later in the day, while Virgin Money was in the spotlight after a £2. 9bn takeover by Britain’s Nationwide Building Society.
Tyman sees 'challenging' markets as profits fall 19%
Door and window parts maker Tyman said it expected a “challenging” market outlook this year as the building sector continued to struggle amid high interest rates and inflation, reflected in a 19% fall in 2023 profits.
China Jan-Feb exports smash estimates with 7.1% rise
China reported a sharply better-than-expected rise in exports for the first two months of the year, according to official figures published on Thursday.
Harbour Energy holds production guidance as weak prices hit 2023 profits
North Sea oil and gas producer Harbour Energy on Thursday held production guidance for 2024 as it reported a sharp fall in annual profits on the back of lower output and weaker prices.
L&G posts below-forecast operating profits
UK insurer Legal & General posted lower-than-expected operating profits last year amid tough market conditions.
Eurozone construction activity still subdued despite Feb uptick - PMI
The contraction in eurozone construction sector continued halfway through the first quarter of the year, despite a slight uptick in activity last month, according to a purchasing managers index (PMI) released on Wednesday.
Breedon buys US concrete maker BMC Enterprises for $300m
Construction materials group Breedon on Wednesday said it had bought US-based BMC Enterprises for an enterprise value of $300m (£238. 1m).
DS Smith sees Q3 trading in line despite tough markets
Paper and packaging maker DS Smith said third-quarter trading was in line with expectations despite “challenging” market conditions.
IWG cautious but confident on 2024 after record revenues
Hybrid-working office space provider IWG reported a sharp rise in annual profits but held a cautious line on 2024 prospects, despite bringing in record revenues last year.