Market Pulse
BAE Systems repeats guidance after 'good momentum' in first quarter
BAE Systems has reported a good start to the new financial year, with directors confident the good momentum is in line with full year targets.
Direct Line's first-quarter premiums rise
In a trading update for the first quarter to the end of March, Direct Line said gross written premiums for ongoing operations rose 4. 2% to £777. 8m.
Imperial Brands profit slides but revenue up
Imperial Brands, formerly known as Imperial Tobacco, posted a drop in first-half profit although revenue was underpinned by the ITG Brands acquisition.
Sainsbury's profits fall less than forecast from price fallout
Sainsbury's annual results showed the severe hit to its finances by the industry price war and ensuring food price deflation but profits fell less than analysts expected.
Next widens guidance as sales remain unpredictable
Poor but unpredictable sales in the year to date saw high street fashion retailer Next widen it guidance for the year in a trading update on Wednesday.
Shell's Q1 earnings drop but still beat expectations
Royal Dutch Shell posted a drop in first-quarter earnings on Wednesday in the oil giant’s first results since the takeover of BG Group.
London pre-open: Stocks seen flat; earnings in focus
London stocks were expected to open broadly flat on Wednesday following downbeat sessions in the US and Asia, amid lower commodity prices.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Barclays, challenger banks, China data
The Government has taken the rare move of fast-tracking a full investigation into BHS’s former directors as Sir Philip Green yesterday agreed to appear before MPs in return for saving his wife’s blushes. Business Secretary Sajid Javid has taken the unusual step of accelerating an inquiry by the Insolvency Service into the retailer’s collapse, rather than wait three months for administrators to conclude their own investigation.