Headline News
US consumer confidence falls back in May, University of Michigan says
Consumer sentiment in the US shifted down a gear in May, according to the results of a closely followed survey.
US durable goods orders rise unexpectedly in April
Durable goods orders in the US rose unexpectedly in April, but on the back of a sharp downwards revision to the prior month's figures.
Wood Group rejects new 220p-a-share offer from Sidara
Wood Group said it had rejected a third unsolicited £1. 52bn takeover proposal from rival Dubai-based engineering and consulting company Sidara, saying it continued to “significantly undervalue” the group and its prospects.
Viavi offer for Spirent Communications officially lapses
Viavi Solutions confirmed on Friday that its proposed acquisition of Spirent Communications had lapsed.
Pantheon International net asset value broadly stable in April
Pantheon International announced an unaudited net asset value per share of 489. 7p as of 30 April on Friday, reflecting a 0. 3% increase from the prior month.
Acciona trims earnings outlook, shares slide
Shares in Spain’s Acciona fell sharply on Friday, after the energy and construction conglomerate’s first-quarter update disappointed.
Wet weather hits retail sales in April
Retail sales fell sharply in April, official data showed on Friday, compounding a revised fall a month earlier.
Coventry Building Society snaps up Co-op Bank in £780m deal
Co-operative Bank Holdings is being taken over by Coventry Building Society in a £780m deal, it was confirmed on Friday, the latest consolidation in the UK banking sector.
Stephen Bird stepping down as Abrdn CEO
Abrdn announced a leadership transition on Friday, with group chief executive officer Stephen Bird stepping down.
Average household energy bills to fall by £122
Average household energy bills are set to fall by £122 this summer, it was confirmed on Friday, after the regulator lowered the price cap.
Jury rules in favour of GSK in Zantac trial
A court in Illinois has ruled in favour of GSK in the first Zantac case to go to trial, the UK drugs giant confirmed on Friday.
Intertek hails ‘strong’ start to year, underpinned by consumer products arm
Intertek backed its full-year expectations on Thursday as it hailed a strong start to the year, with 7% growth in like-for-like revenue, driven by a recovery in the consumer products segment.
AJ Bell founder Andy Bell sells 7.5m shares in placing, raises £28.1m
AJ Bell said on Friday that founder Andy Bell sold 7. 5m shares in the investment platform in a placing at 375p each, raising around £28. 1m.