Market Report
BAE Systems begins 2017 with 'good momentum'
BAE Systems confirmed the 2017 has started with "good momentum" as the defence and aerospace contractor cited an improving outlook for defence budgets in a number of its markets.
Capita-Vodafone deal could face regulatory probe
Capita's proposed takeover of Vodafone's pagers business could be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation by the Capital Markets Authority if the companies don't offer acceptable ways to address competition concerns.
Saga refinances existing bank facilities
Saga has refinanced existing bank facilities with the launch of a debut £250m seven-year senior unsecured bond, a £200m five-year term loan facility and a £100m five-year revolving credit facility.
Vesuvius cautiously optimistic for 2017 after strong start
Vesuvius said it was "cautiously optimistic" about its likely trading performance in 2017 after a "strong" first quarter, with the weak pound continuing to provide a tailwind.
Marshalls underpinned by strength in domestic market
Paving supplier Marshalls reported a rise in revenue for the first four months of the year thanks to solid demand in the domestic market.
London open: Stocks flat as investors digest earnings news
London stocks were flat in early trade as investors sifted through a raft of corporate news.
DekelOil in talks to buy West Ghana palm oil business
DekelOil is in talks about potentially acquiring Norpalm Ghana, a vertically integrated palm oil operator that owns around 4,000 hectares of mature palm plantations in the west African country.
Renishaw lifts full-year profit and revenue guidance
FTSE 250 engineer Renishaw lifted its full-year pre-tax profit and revenue forecasts on Wednesday as it reported a rise in third-quarter profit and revenue.
CMA to launch in-depth probe into Just Eat/Hungryhouse merger
The Competition and Markets Authority has referred Just Eat's proposed acquisition of Hungryhouse to an in-depth phase 2 investigation.
ITV ad revenues to slump for whole of first half
Advertising revenue fell at ITV in the first quarter and is expected to remain down for the first half, though production sales from the broadcaster's Studios arm and online growth were both strong.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Consumer dip, merger job losses, pay row
Consumer spending will have “effectively stalled” by next year as Britons respond to rising inflation, minimal wage growth and a slowdown in house prices, a leading think tank has warned. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research said that robust growth in consumption in 2016 was coming to an end as the fall in sterling pushed up the cost of imports and filtered through into the prices of everyday goods and services. - The Times.
Paddy Power Betfair acquires US daily fantasy operator DRAFT
Paddy Power Betfair announced its entry into the daily fantasy sports market in the United States on Tuesday, with the acquisition of an early-stage operator, DRAFT.
AstraZeneca asthma drug fails to meet primary endpoint
AstraZeneca said on Wednesday that its asthma drug Tralokinumab did not meet its primary endpoint in a late-stage study.
Compass posts rise in H1 revenue, announces £1bn special dividend
Catering company Compass reported a rise in first-half revenue as it benefited from a weaker pound, and announced a £1bn special dividend.
London pre-open: Stocks seen flat as investors sift through earnings
London stocks were set for a muted open on Wednesday following mixed cues from the US and Asia, with investors set to sift through a raft of earnings.
US close: Markets mixed after solid start
Stocks on Wall Street finished mixed on Tuesday, after starting solidly amid a backdrop of renewed gains for big cap tech names and stock volatility at record lows.