Market Pulse
EasyJet swings to loss on effects of terrorism and currencies
Low-cost carrier easyJet swung to a loss in its half-year numbers on Tuesday, reporting a loss before tax of £24m for the six months to 31 March, against a £7m profit a year earlier.
Fitch maintains Whitbread's BBB ratings
Hospitality firm Whitbread had its ‘BBB’ ratings affirmed by Fitch on Tuesday, with a stable outlook, as analysts at the ratings agency talked about its strong market position in UK hotels and growing Costa Coffee brand globally.
Europe midday: Automobile stocks pace gains
Stocks in Europe were near their best levels of the day following stronger-than-expected inflation data out overnight in China and figures showing an increase in monthly passenger-vehicle sales in the Asian giant.
BAE awards Rolls-Royce engine contract for Type 26 warships
Rolls-Royce has won a contract from BAE Systems to supply low-emission diesel engines for the Royal Navy's new Type 26 anti-submarine warships.
HSBC trims target price on RBS
Royal Bank of Scotland was still on track to generate considerable surplus capital in the medium-term, but the exact amount and timing of any distribution were uncertain, HSBC said.
Pizza Hut to spend £40m on 200 new outlets
Pizza takeaway chain Pizza Hut Delivery announced plans this week to create 3,000 jobs in 200 new stores across the British isles over the next four years.
Retail sales fall in April as cold hits footwear and fashion, says BRC-KPMG
British retail sales in April fell on a like-for-like basis compared to last year, with non-food sales outweighing positive food sales.
Emirates reports profit of £1.34bn
Emirates Airline reported a 56% jump in 2015-16 profits on Tuesday, reaching AED 7. 1bn (£1. 34bn) as the global carrier’s fuel bills shrunk by almost a third.
Industrial commodity prices headed lower, analysts say
Bulk commodity prices might be set to continue to head lower, analysts at Citi and Credit Suisse said.
Brexit risks already priced into British Land shares, Citi says
Some of the recent negative trends at British Land would revert in the second half of the year and the risk of Brexit was already priced into its stock, Citi said.
UK trade deficit narrows more than estimated in March, ONS reveals
The UK trade deficit on goods and services narrowed more than expected in March as exports rose, official data showed on Tuesday.
Asia report: Markets mixed as Filipinos vote
Markets in Asia closed mixed on Tuesday, with Japan leading the way while China fell flat.
Bovis Homes back on track for weekly sales rate
A trading statement from Bovis Homes revealed "no discernible impact" of Brexit worries hitting housing demand and that after an initial slowdown its sales rate has picked back up to where it was a year ago.
Europe open: Credit Suisse leads bounce higher
Stocks in Europe started the morning off higher following stronger-than-expected inflation data out overnight in China.
Aureus Mining suspends processing after cyanide leak
Aureus Mining has suspended processing activity at its New Liberty gold mine in Liberia after a cyanide spillage.
London open: Equities gain as investors digest China data
UK equities gained on Tuesday as official data showed Chinese inflation held steady and producer price deflation eased in April.
German industrial production surged in the first quarter
Industrial output in Germany dropped sharply in March, weighed down by falls in the production of capital, intermediate goods as well as activity in the construction sector.
Grafton Group strong though Brexit fears linger
Builders merchanting and DIY company Grafton Group updated the market on its operations to the end of April on Tuesday, as investors gathered in Dublin for it annual general meeting.
Factory gate price deflation in China weakens in April
Deflationary pressures bearing down on the Chinese economy lessened in April as energy prices rebounded and a rise in pork prices accelerated.
Hiscox makes 'good start' to year
Specialist insurer Hiscox increased its gross written premiums by 10% in local currency to £640. 5m in its first quarter, it reported on Tuesday.