Market Pulse
Home Retail surges ahead of possible bidding war
Shares in Home Retail surged on Monday following media reports over the weekend that Sainsbury’s could seek an extension to the Takeover Panel’s 18 March deadline, after South African retailer Steinhoff made an offer to the Argos owner.
Cable & Wireless reveals further details on Liberty Global takeover
Cable & Wireless Communications shares rose on Monday after the company said it had reached an agreement on the terms of Liberty Global’s proposed takeover deal.
FTSE 100 movers: Miners lead index back over 6000
The FTSE 100 was back over 6,000 points on Monday, with the index up 106. 09 points (1. 78%) to 6,056. 32.
Mexican retail sales fall unexpectedly in December
Retail sales in Mexico were much weaker than expected at the end of 2015, but at least one top broker continued to hold out hope that the North American country´s economy would be able to weather the ongoing recession in its manufacturing sector.
Markit's flash US manufacturing PMI drops more than expected
Markit’s flash US manufacturing PMI fell to 51. 0 in February from 52. 4 the previous month, missing economists’ expectations for a reading of 52. 0.
US open: Stocks advance as oil prices rally
US stocks rose on Monday as a rally in oil prices offset disappointing manufacturing data.
Bank of Ireland targets return to dividend payments in 2017
Bank of Ireland´s profits soared last year as the lender ramped up new lending even as it continued to strengthen its balance sheet.
Sysco to buy London-based Brakes Group for $3.1bn
US foodservice distributor Sysco Corp has agreed to buy London-based peer Brakes Group from Bain Capital Private Equity for around $3. 1bn (£2. 2bn).
Vodafone and Liberty Global JV credit positive, says Moody's
Vodafone’s joint venture with Liberty Global in the Netherlands is credit positive for the FTSE 100 company and Ziggo, Moody’s Investors Service said.
Tuesday preview: Market braces for batch of full year earnings results
The market is bracing for a busy day of full year earnings releases from a slate of FTSE 350 companies on Tuesday.
Monday broker round-up
Coca-Cola Hbc: JP Morgan reiterates neutral with a target price of 1450p, Nomura stays at buy with a 1330p target and Deutsche Bank keeps at hold with a target price of 1500p.
IEA warns of risk of oil price spike in medium-term
The recent sharp drop in crude oil prices, while welcome by consumers, raised the risk of a spike in prices in the medium-term due to insufficient demand, according to the rich-world´s energy watchdog.
Islamic 'digital marketplace' DagangHalal eyes AIM flotation
DagangHalal, which operates a website to allow retailers and consumers to check whether food is suitable for consumption by Muslims, has set out plans to float on the London Stock Exchange in March.
Pound weakens on EU referendum uncertainty as Boris Johnson backs Leave
Sterling fell to a seven-year low on Monday as several leading Tory figures stated their opposition to David Cameron's proposal to remain in a reformed European Union.
No evidence Brexit risk postponing investment decisions, says Jefferies
As the pound tumbled against the dollar and FTSE 100 bosses warned that Brexit would threaten investment, London's equity market was unperturbed.
Credit Suisse ups target on Associated British Foods
Credit Suisse boosted its target price on shares of Primark-owner Associated British Foods following what it termed a "reassuring update" from the company, while its recommendation was kept at 'outperform'.
US pre-open: Investors keen to take risks
US futures surged on Monday as oil prices rose and investors were keen to take some risks, though the dollar rose to a seven-year high against the pound on 'Brexit' fears.
Hikma hires well-connected American
Hikma Pharmaceuticals has appointed US public affairs veteran John Castellani to its board.
Bovis Homes 2015 profit jumps 20%
Bovis Homes reported a jump in full year pre-tax profit and revenue as legal completions and prices rose and the housebuilder sounded an upbeat note on 2016.
IPPlus swings to interim profit
AIM-listed call centre service provider IPPlus said on Monday that it swung to an interim pre-tax profit and expects to report a good second half.