Market Pulse
Pennon on target to meet full year expectations
Water utility and waste management company Pennon Group said it was on track to meet management expectations for the year ending 31 March thanks to solid performances across its divisions.
Halma a 'hold' after trading update, says Investec
Halma’s strong performance should not come as a surprise to investors, Investec said on Thursday following the company’s trading update.
Halma sailing steadily through second half
Halma reported steady sailing in the second half, updating the market on its operations on Thursday ahead of its year-end in April.
Buy-to-let investors flood market, pushing house prices up says RICS
A shortage of homes is pushing prices up as buy-to-let investors flood the market, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Residential Market Survey.
Societe Generale tumbles as it warns over profit target
Shares in Societe Generale tumbled on Thursday as the French bank reported a smaller-than-expected rise in fourth quarter net profit and warned that it might miss its profit target this year.
Sweden cuts interest rates by more than expected, Gilts jump
Sweden's central bank trimmed its main policy interest rate on Thursday by more than had been expected, brushing aside worries of a housing market bubble and strong domestic demand in the economy.
Dairy Crest sales bounce back but disposal proceeds disappoint
In its first quarterly results since offloading its dairy business on Boxing Day, Dairy Crest said its cheese and spreads brands were riding out the stormy markets and remained in line to hit full year targets.
Glencore confirms production and metals streaming deal with $500m upfront
Glencore has agreed a $500m gold and silver streaming deal from its Antapaccay mine in Peru to help ease its balance sheet woe, as well as impressing with fourth-quarter production numbers.
London open: Stocks track declines in Asia as investors digest Yellen speech
London stocks fell on Thursday, tracking declines in Asian markets after US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen highlighted her concerns about China’s wailing economy.
British Gas joins rivals in cutting gas prices
British Gas said it will cut gas prices for customers by 5. 1%, the latest company to announce cuts for the start of the year.
Europe open: Banks and energy shares pace the decline
European stocks took a battering in early trade, with banks and energy issues pacing the decline, as oil prices slid.
CLS adds replaces Vauxhall Square hotel with office space
CLS Holdings managed a win at the Lambeth Council this week, with the company revealing on Thursday that the borough's planning committee had granted an amendment to its mixed use Vauxhall Square SW8 development on the south bank of the Thames.
UK's Brexit deal with EU hits opposition from France, eastern Europe
The draft accord between the United Kingdom and the European Union on modifying the terms of Britain's membership ran into some opposition from France and a group of Eastern European nations on Wednesday.
Enterprise Inns on track for full year expectations as income grows
Enterprise Inns has seen like-for-like net income in its leased and tenanted estate grow 1. 6% for the 19 weeks to 6 February 2016.
Workspace agrees sale of five light industrial buildings for £64m
Real estate investment trust Workspace announced the disposal of five light industrial buildings for £64m.
Ashmore first half profit, assets under management drop
Specialist emerging markets asset manager Ashmore posted a drop in first half pre-tax profit as assets under management declined, with weak oil prices and worries about a slowdown in China denting investor sentiment.
DCC reports strong third quarter but technology division lags
DCC, which was promoted to the FTSE 100 in December, reported a strong third quarter but warned of “more difficult” trading in its technology division.
Tate & Lyle volumes up in third quarter, but margins down
Tate & Lyle remained stable in its third quarter, reporting increased trading volumes in some divisions, but lower margins and continuing difficulties in the ethanol market.
Rio Tinto battered by commodities storm, ditches progressive dividends
Rio Tinto was insistent it was weathering the commodities storm in its full-year results on Thursday, but the numbers were telling a different story - with net earnings down almost £5bn.
Imperial Brands' tobacco revenue jumps 10%
Imperial Brands has posted a 10% jump in tobacco revenue for the first quarter, and said it is on track to meet full year expectations.