Headline News
US ISM services sector PMI holds up in August
A survey of the US services sector showed that activity held up in August, but companies' responses appeared to be decidedly mixed.
Primark sees lower sales in H2 as wet UK summer hits footfall
Like‐for‐like sales at Primark were expected to fall by around 0. 5% in the second half of the financial year due to wet weather in the UK and Ireland which hit womenswear and footwear, said parent company Associated British Foods.
Court orders former Wirecard executives to pay €140m
Three former executives of Wirecard, including chief executive Markus Braun, have been ordered to pay €140m in damages by a Munich court.
US private sector adds fewer jobs than expected in August
Private sector employment in the US rose much less than expected in August, according to figures released on Thursday by ADP.
Asos shares surge on outlook, Topshop stake sale to Heartland
Shares in Asos surged by a fifth on Thursday as the troubled online fashion retailer said it was offloading 75% of the Topshop group as part of a joint venture deal with major shareholder, the Danish fashion billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.
EnQuest slams windfall tax as revenues slide
UK oil firm EnQuest hit out at the energy profits levy on Thursday, arguing that current conditions meant the windfall tax was no longer merited.
US layoff announcements surge in August, hiring plans at record low
There was a surge in layoff announcements at US companies last month, while hiring plans were at their lowest ebb ever recorded, the results of a survey revealed.
Eurozone retail sales struggle in July
Eurozone retail sales edged only marginally higher in July, official data showed on Thursday, as a recovery struggled to take hold.
International PPL declares interim dividend in line with target
Infrastructure investor International Public Partnerships declared a fully cash-covered interim dividend of 4. 18p per share in its half-year results on Thursday, contributing to full-year target dividend growth of 3%, bringing the total to 8. 37p per share for 2024, up from 8. 13p in 2023.
UK construction sector 'turns corner' - PMI
The UK construction sector's recovery continued in August, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, although the rate of expansion eased.
Bakkavor posts strong first-half growth, CFO steps down
Fresh prepared food provider Bakkavor Group announced a strong set of first-half results on Thursday, highlighting revenue growth, improved margins, and debt reduction.
Genus reports mixed full year, warns of currency headwinds
Genus reported strategic progress amid challenging market conditions, particularly in China, in its preliminary full-year results on Thursday, although it warned of potential currency headwinds going forward.
Funding Circle swings into the black, shares soar
Shares in Funding Circle rocketed on Thursday, after the business lender unexpectedly swung into the black and boosted its full-year outlook.
WAG Payment Solutions upbeat despite profit slide
WAG Payment Solutions insisted trading remained on track on Thursday, despite a sharp fall in half-year profits.
Ashmore reports full-year profit growth despite AuM challenges
Emerging markets-focussed asset manager Ashmore Group reported a relatively positive set of final results on Thursday, despite some challenges in assets under management (AuM).
Currys takes nearly 50% share of UK laptop market, sales rise
Currys posted a jump in sales on Thursday as the electricals retailer took a nearly 50% share of the UK laptop market.
Vistry posts 7% jump in H1 profit, announces further £130m share buyback
Housebuilder Vistry announced a further £130m share buyback on Thursday as it posted a 7% increase in first-half pre-tax profit.