Market Pulse
HSBC profits way ahead of forecasts despite 18% fall
HSBC's first-quarter profits fell 14% compared to last year but was better than analyst forecasts, with chief executive Stuart Gulliver expressed confidence that cost-reduction plans now under way will hit their target by the end of next year.
Morrisons rolls out further price 'Crunch' cuts
Morrisons has expanded its 'Price Crunch' programme as it seeks to win back customers from discounters.
Regus posts rise in Q1 revenue, confident over full year
Regus, a provider of flexible workspace solutions, said it expects to deliver full-year results in line with management's views as it reported “good trading” in the three months to the end of March.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher on upbeat US cues
London stocks were expected to open in the black on Tuesday, taking their cue from a positive session in the US as traders return to their desks following the long bank holiday weekend.
Tuesday newspaper round-up: Data leaks, UK confidence, Barclays, BT
US investors may be profiting from leaked economic data releases that allow them to front-run market-moving news, according to a research paper published by the European Central Bank. Macroeconomic news announcements can move markets, as traders watch for indications about how the economy is performing. The data are released to everyone at the same time to ensure fairness but ECB researchers said they had found evidence of “informed trading” ahead of US data releases.