Fidelity Top Stories
HSBC chief executive Quinn in shock departure
HSBC group chief executive Noel Quinn said he was retiring after nearly five years in the job, in a shock announcement on Tuesday.
Eurozone exits recession as Q1 GDP grows 0.3%, inflation holds at 2.4%
There were further signs that the eurozone was starting to turn a corner as inflation held steady at 2. 4% and the single currency economy avoided recession in the first quarter of the year.
Glencore says Q1 copper output falls, but holds guidance
Commodities miner and trader Glencore on Tuesday said first-quarter copper production fell 2% while cobalt output declined 37% due to lower production at its Mutanda mine in Congo.
Coca-Cola HBC Q1 revenues beat guidance
Bottler Coca-Cola HBC on Tuesday said first-quarter revenue beat forecasts and reiterated guidance that annual operating profit would grow further on the back of strong demand.
German inflation edges up to 2.4% in April
German inflation registered a slight rise in April as food prices rose while energy costs fell less than expected, according to preliminary data published on Monday.
Blackstone ups bid for Hipgnosis with $1.57bn offer
Music rights owner Hipgnosis said it it agreed terms on a $1. 57bn (£1. 26bn) takeover by private equity investor Blackstone, in the latest tit-for-tat battle with rival Concord.
Anglo American rejects £31bn BHP offer as 'unattractive' for investors
Anglo American on Friday rejected an "opportunistic" £31bn bid from rival miner BHP, saying it significantly undervalued the company.
Sainsburys sees strong profit growth this year on food pivot
UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's said it expected to grow profits by 5-10% this year after delivering better-than-expected earnings for 2023/24.
Barclays Q1 profits fall 12% as mortgage demand subdued
Barclays Bank reported a 12% fall in first-quarter profit on lower income as customers shopped around for better savings rates and mortgage deals.
Travis Perkins Q1 revenues fall 3.7% on weak building sector demand
Building products supplier Travis Perkins said first quarter revenue fell 3. 7% as weak demand in the construction sector continued to impact trading.
WPP Q1 revenues fall 1.4%; Guidance held
UK advertising agency WPP on Thursday said revenues fell 1. 4% as it lost a healthcare client and spending by technology companies was cut back.
Allfunds shares fall after report sale plans shelved
Shares in Allfunds Group fell sharply on Wednesday on a report the European fund distribution platform had abandoned talks on a potential sale.
Lloyds Bank holds guidance as Q1 profit falls 28% on margin squeeze
Lloyds Bank held annual guidance despite a 28% fall in first-quarter profits due to lower net interest income and higher operating expenses, as competition for mortgages and savings squeezed margins.
Abrdn AUM rises 3% in first quarter as flows rebound
Investment manager Abrdn recorded net inflows of £800m in the first quarter of the year, driven by stronger markets.
Aviva targets £100m operating profit from health by 2026
UK insurer Aviva said it aimed to deliver £100m of health operating profit by 2026.
Bunzl Q1 revenues fall on weaker US volumes, customer destocking
International distribution and services group Bunzl said revenue in the first quarter fell 2. 4% on a constant currency basis, driven by lower volumes in its US foodservice redistribution business, American retail customers clearing inventory and deflation.
UK govt's tax cut plans hit as March borrowing comes in higher-than-expected
UK government borrowing overshot forecasts in March, producing a budget deficit that was £6. 6bn higher than expected, official data revealed on Tuesday, damaging plans for a pre-election tax cut by Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt.
JD Sports buys US-based Hibbett for $1.08bn
JD Sports Fashion on Tuesday said it was buying US sports fashion retailer Hibbett for $1. 08bn (£878m).
Hipgnosis shares spike again as Blackstone enters fray
Shares in Hipgnosis Songs Fund spiked again on Monday when private equity outfit Blackstone made a potential $1. 5bn offer to buy the troubled music rights investor, setting up a bidding war with Concord Chorus.
Fed's Goolsbee says central bank needs more 'clarity' before moving on rates
A top Federal Reserve official said that the central bank needs more clarity on inflation before moving on interest rates.