Market Pulse
Hill & Smith cranks dividend up 20pc after strong first half
Helped by an acceleration in the second quarter, engineer Hill & Smith cranked out a gleaming set of half-year numbers and galvanised investor spirits with a 20% dividend hike based on a positive outlook for the niche infrastructure markets in which it operates.
Donald Trump says campaign is united despite apparent discontent
The Republican nominee for US president Donald Trump has denied reports of deep divisions within the GOP, claiming that it is united behind his campaign.
WPP's J. Walter Company acquires WANDA Digital in Turkey
J. Walter Thompson Company, a global marketing communications agency and a subsidiary of media firm WPP Group, announced the acquisition of a majority stake in WANDA Digital, an independent digital agency in Turkey.
US pre-open: Stocks seen flat as attention turns to BoE
US futures pointed to a fairly steady open on Wall Street, where investors were likely to be keeping an eye on developments in the UK as the Bank of England was set to announce its latest policy decision.
Intel suffers smartwatch setback with Basis Peak recall
Technology giant Intel's attempts to penetrate the smartwatch market have taken a hit after it was forced to recall its Basis Peak device due to safety concerns.
Citi downgrades Hikma Pharmaceuticals after company´s pre-announcement
Analysts at Citi downgraded their recommendation on shares of Hikma Pharmaceuticals in the wake of the company´s trading update which was issued after the close of trading in London on 3 August.
Nike to halt golf equipment production as sales plunge
US sportswear giant Nike will stop making golf equipment, as it shifts its focus more towards footwear and apparel for the sport.
Johnston Press swings to loss in first half
Newspaper publisher Johnston Press swung to a loss in the first half, mainly on the back of an impairment charge.
Fiscal policy debate prompts JP Morgan to lower underweight on global equities
JP Morgan reduced its 'underweight' stance on global equities on expectations that global economic growth would return to trend in the second half of 2016 and given rising - albeit not yet significant - odds that fiscal policy might take over from monetary policy.
Berenberg cuts Direct Line to 'hold' from 'buy'
Direct Line Insurance Group’s rating has been downgraded to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ by Berenberg as the broker said “questions remain about earnings sustainability”.
LSE profit slips, warns of Brexit volatility
London Stock Exchange Group said on Thursday that profit slipped in the first half of the year, although revenue and operating profit were higher and the company lifted its interim dividend.
Ladbrokes leaps on back of thoroughbred first-half results
Bookmaker Ladbrokes first-half profits beat management and City forecasts by a length as favourable results from the sporting gods put an extra sheen on the progress being made after last year's strategic rejig.
Tesla misses earnings expectations as production falters
US carmaker Tesla disappointed with its second quarter results as it recorded a $293m loss for the period compared to last year.
Pets at Home grows revenue across several divisions
Specialist retailer of pet products and services Pets at Home Group announced a first quarter trading up for the 16 week period from 1 April to 21 July on Thursday, with group like-for-like revenue growth of 2. 7%.
Cobham slumps as it swings to first-half loss
Shares in Cobham tumbled on Thursday after the FTSE 250 aerospace and defence group said it swung to a loss in the first half and cut its interim dividend.
Assets fall significantly at Woodford Patient Capital Trust
Woodford Patient Capital Trust announced its unaudited half-yearly financial report for the period from 1 January to 30 June on Thursday, with net assets falling to £717. 89m from £814. 86m a year ago.
Mondi first-half profit up but warns over H2
Paper and packaging group Mondi posted a jump in first-half pre-tax profit but warned on Thursday that the second half of the year will be hit by planned maintenance closures at a number of its mills and the usual seasonal downturn in its uncoated fine paper business.
AA plc shares rise as it reports in-line trading
AA, the roadside assistance and insurance provider, said on Thursday trading has been in line with market expectations as it benefits from its ongoing transformation.
Europe open: Stocks edge higher as investors eye BoE
European stocks edged higher in early trade as investors looked to the latest rate announcement from the Bank of England, which is widely expected to cut interest rates to a record low of 0. 25%.
Inmarsat returns to growth in second quarter but interim profits fall 7pc
Although its maritime market remains in the doldrums, Inmarsat posted a respectable set of interim results on Thursday as the satellite services group surprisingly returned to growth in the second quarter thanks to growth from the aviation sector, government contracts and its deal to supply US mobile network Ligado Networks.