Market Report
Phoenix Group sees good growth after Standard Life Assurance acquisition
Life and pensions consolidator Phoenix Group announced a “strong” 2018 year-to-date in a trading update on Thursday, as its investors prepared for the company’s capital markets day.
Tritax Big Box moves big retailer into former Tesco site
Tritax Big Box REIT announced the successful completion of a new 15-year lease to the incumbent licensee, an unnamed “financially robust, world leading” retailer, on its distribution centre at Barlborough Links in Chesterfield on Thursday.
Peel Hunt downgrades Dignity on CMA review
Peel Hunt cut its stance on funeral services provider Dignity on Thursday as the Competition and Markets Authority said it was launching a full investigation into the funeral market after identifying "serious concerns" over large price hikes.
Unilever promotes personal care boss to CEO as Polman retires
Unilever chief executive Paul Polman will step down from the role at the end of next month and be replaced by the group's beauty & personal care boss, Alan Jope.
CMA to probe funeral market amid pricing concerns; Dignity shares slump
The UK's competition watchdog has announced a full investigation into the funeral market after identifying "serious concerns" over large price hikes.
TruFin aims for UK bank licence early next year
British niche lender and early payment provider TruFin has completed the build of its savings business in anticipation of a successful UK bank licence application via its Distribution Finance Capital unit.
Bilby acquires more electrical services coverage in South East
Energy provider Bilby acquired services outfit R Dunham on Thursday, as it continued to broaden its customer base and strengthening its presence in London and the South East.
Bushveld Minerals aims to finish prep for VRFB by new year
Vanadium producer Bushveld Minerals now expects preparatory work on the battery commissioning portion of its maiden vanadium redox flow battery project to be wrapped up by the end of next month.
Tullow Oil reinstates dividend after 'excellent' progress
Tullow Oil has announced plans to reintroduce its dividend, which was suspended in 2015, following "excellent" operational and financial progress over the past 18 months.
London open: Stocks rise as Powell strikes dovish note; Intu deal collapses
London stocks rose in early trade Thursday, taking their cue from big gains on Wall Street after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell struck a more dovish tone in his latest speech.
Go-Ahead sees decent revenue performance in year-to-date
Passenger transport operator the Go-Ahead Group updated the market on its trading for the period from 1 July to 28 November on Thursday, leaving its full-year expectations unchanged.
Polymetal buys rest of Nezhda, outlines production plans
Following the receipt of all necessary Russian regulatory approvals, Polymetal International announced the completion of the acquisition of the remaining 82. 3% stake in Nezhda from entities owned by Ivan Kulakov on Thursday.
Britvic profits rise in 'challenging' environment
Drinks maker Britvic posted a rise in full-year profit and revenue on Thursday despite a "challenging" environment.
Rio Tinto green-lights new Aussie iron ore mine, Paul Polman to step down as Unilever CEO
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 36 points higher on Thursday, having closed down 0. 18% at 7,004. 52 on Wednesday.
London pre-open: Stocks to track Wall St higher after dovish Powell speech
London stocks were set to gain at the open on Thursday, taking their cue from big gains on Wall Street after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell struck a seemingly dovish tone in his latest speech.
Thursday newspaper round-up: UK banks, outsourcers, Microsoft, debt
UK banks are strong enough to survive a disorderly Brexit that could leave the country worse off than the 2008 financial crisis, according to the Bank of England. For a second straight year, none of the high street lenders have been told to raise billions of pounds in capital to strengthen their finances, under the Bank’s latest financial sector health check. – Guardian.