Market Pulse
Portmeirion Group sees record sales in 2018
Homewares manufacturer and distributor Portmeirion Group updated the market on its trading on Thursday, saying it expected to report record revenue for the year ended 31 December of at least £89. 2m.
Asia report: Markets mixed as PBOC pours cash into banking system
Markets in Asia finished in a mixed state on Thursday, as the Chinese central bank injected a massive amount of cash into that country’s banking system, and after a decent session on Wall Street overnight amid the US earnings season.
Game Digital hails solid Christmas trading
Shares in Game Digital rallied on Thursday as it reported a solid performance over the Christmas period.
Deputy chairman quits scandal-hit Patisserie Valerie
Beleaguered café chain Patisserie Valerie’s deputy chairman and non-executive director Lee Ginsberg resigned with immediate effect on Thursday, becoming the latest in a number of senior figures to quit the company.
US pre-open: Stocks to slip amid trade war worries as earnings roll in
US stocks looked set to drop at the open on Thursday amid fresh concerns about Sino-US relations, as investors braced for more earnings releases.
London midday: Stocks maintain losses amid trade war concerns but AB Foods rallies
London stocks were still in the red by midday on Thursday amid fresh concerns about Sino-US trade relations, but solid updates from the likes of Primark owner AB Foods and Sage Group helped to minimise losses.
Everyman Media secures new loan facility, trading in line
Everyman Media said on Thursday that trading in 2018 continued to be in line with market expectations as it announced a new £30m loan facility.
ITV tumbles on BofA Merrill Lynch downgrade
ITV was under pressure on Thursday as Bank of America Merrill Lynch cut its stance on the stock to 'underperform' from 'buy' and slashed the price target to 110p from 210p as it turned more cautious on the European media sector.
Premier Foods maintains guidance as revenue slips
Mr Kipling and Bisto owner Premier Foods reported a drop in third-quarter revenue on Thursday amid logistics problems, but backed its expectations for the full year.
Funding Circle grows revenues 50% in first year
Funding Circle enjoyed a strong finish to 2018, with revenues topping guidance from the peer-to-peer business lender's initial public offer in October.
Whitbread begins £0.5bn share buyback as outlook clouds
Whitbread confirmed that profits are likely to remain flat for the next year but said it will begin buying back £500m worth of shares after completing the sale of Costa Coffee earlier than expected.
Serabi Gold ends year on high with record quarterly production
Brazil-focussed gold mining and development company Serabi Gold released the results and a review of its fourth quarter operational and exploration activities in the Tapajos region of Para State in northern Brazil on Thursday, reporting fourth quarter gold production of 10,256 ounces of gold.
Beazley appoints Sally Lake as new group finance director
Beazley has appointed Sally Lake as its new group finance director, replacing Martin Bride when he steps down in May.
Iofina sees record production numbers in 2018
Iodine and halogen-based specialty chemical producer Iofina updated the market on an “exceptional year” for the company on Thursday, in which it produced record volumes of crystalline iodine and executed on its commitment to growth and increased profitability.
AFC Energy shows off hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle charging tech
Alkaline fuel cell power company AFC Energy announced the successful demonstration of ‘CH2ARGE’ on Thursday, which it described as the “world's first” electric vehicle charger based on hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
RWS snaps up Alpha Translations in $6m deal
Intellectual property support services provider RWS Holdings announced the acquisition of legal and financial translations company Alpha Translations Canada for a cash consideration of $6. 0m on Thursday.
Marsh & McLennan elevates Martine Ferland to chief of Mercer
Risk and strategy specialist Marsh & McLennan Companies announced key leadership changes on Thursday, in a bid to further its growth strategy.
Focus on convenience assets leads performance at NewRiver
NewRiver REIT updated the market on its third quarter on Thursday, reporting that its “active approach” was delivering “resilient performance” from its convenience-led community assets.
Ibstock sees full-year earnings in line
Brick and concrete products manufacturer Ibstock said on Thursday that adjusted earnings for the year are set to be in line with expectations as it has continued to trade as anticipated.
London open: Stocks slip as trade fears resurface; housebuilders hit by RICS survey
London stocks edged lower in early trade on Thursday amid fresh concerns about Sino-US trade relations, with housebuilders under the cosh on the back of a downbeat assessment of the UK housing market.