Headline News
UK retail footfall falls sharply in April
Retail footfall fell sharply in April, industry data showed on Friday, hit by poor weather and the early timing of Easter.
Peloton announces CEO departure; to cut 15% of workforce
Peloton announced the departure of its chief executive on Thursday, alongside plans to cut around 15% of its workforce amid a restructuring programme aimed at reducing annual expenses by more than $200m.
London cabbies launch £250m legal action against Uber
Uber Technologies is facing legal action on behalf of more than 10,500 London black cab drivers, it was confirmed on Thursday.
U.S. foreign trade deficit little changed in March, consumer goods imports strong
America's shortfall on trade with the rest of the world was little changed in March, as both exports and imports suffered large declines.
US unit labour cost growth exceeds forecasts in Q1
Workers' productivity in the U. S. slowed more sharply than anticipated at the start of 2024, pushing labour costs much higher.
German manufacturing downturn eases slightly - PMI
The downturn in Germany’s hard-pressed manufacturing sector eased marginally last month, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, although it remained in contraction.
Shell beats estimates as profit hits $7.7bn, unveils $3.5bn buyback
Oil and gas giant Shell on Thursday reported much better-than-expected first-quarter earnings on the back of higher margins from crude and oil products trading and also unveiled a new $3. 5bn share buyback.
BHP deploys team to SA to woo officials over Anglo deal - report
BHP has reportedly deployed a team of senior executives to South Africa as it ramps up efforts to win over government officials, regulators and local shareholders, all of whom could yet determine the outcome of its proposed tie-up with rival Anglo American.
ING to return €2.5bn to shareholders
Dutch lender ING Groep said on Thursday that it will return €2. 5bn to shareholders following a "very strong" first quarter.
Universal artists to return to TikTok
Universal Music Group has ended its boycott of social media platform TikTok after the two groups struck a new licensing deal.
UK economic growth to remain 'sluggish' - OECD
UK growth is set to remain sluggish this year, a leading economic organisation forecast on Thursday, weighed down by restrictive monetary policy.
SIG posts drop in sales amid ‘challenging’ markets
Building products supplier SIG reported a drop in sales on Thursday amid continued "challenging" market conditions.
Novo Nordisk posts Q1 beat on strength of weight-loss drug
Danish pharmaceutical superstar Novo Nordisk beat first-quarter profit projections, it reported on Thursday, as demand for its blockbuster weight-loss drugs soared.
Morgan Sindall reiterates full-year outlook
Morgan Sindall reiterated its full-year outlook on Thursday, on the back of solid trading at the start of the year.
Grafton revenues fall amid market weakness
Grafton Group reported a 5% decrease in year-to-date revenue in an update on Thursday, to £669. 2m for the period from 1 January to 21 April, with a 3. 3% decline in constant currency.
Lancashire reports robust first quarter, makes executive appointment
Specialist insurer and reinsurer Lancashire Holdings reported a robust first-quarter performance in an update on Thursday, as it also announced the appointment of Paul Gregory as an executive director.
Standard Chartered posts jump in Q1 profits
Standard Chartered backed its full-year guidance on Thursday and posted a jump in first-quarter profit as it continued to benefit from higher interest rates.
Diploma acquires PAR Group for £38m
Distribution company Diploma announced the acquisition of PAR Group on Thursday for £38m.
Hiscox Q1 written premiums underpinned by Retail growth
Hiscox reported a rise in first-quarter written premiums on Thursday as it benefited from accelerated growth in the retail segment.
Smurfit Kappa reports 'very strong' first quarter
Smurfit Kappa Group reported robust first-quarter revenue of €2. 7bn in an update on Thursday, alongside EBITDA of €487m, making for an EBITDA margin of 18. 0%.