Market Report
Just Group appoints Andy Parsons as CFO
Retirement products specialist Just Group has appointed Andy Parsons - who has been group finance director at LV= since June 2017 - as its new chief financial officer.
Johnson warns Brexit delays open door for Labour govt
Boris Johnson started his Conservative leadership campaign on Wednesday with a warning that delaying Brexit beyond October 31 would result in the defeat of the government.
WPP reiterates guidance, says Kantar sale progressing as expected
WPP reiterated its financial guidance for 2019 and for the medium-term and told investors that the sale of a majority stake in its Kantar unit was progressing in line with the company's expectations.
Wednesday broker round-up
Provident Financial: Canaccord downgrades to sell with a target price of 430p.
Europe midday: Stocks mired in the red amid US-China trade stand-off
Stocks markets on the Continent remain mired in the red amid the ongoing trade stand-off between the US and China.
UK government commits to net zero carbon emissions by 2050
The UK has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and will become the first G7 country to legislate the proposal.
HSBC starts Fevertree at 'buy', takes a look at mid-cap soft drinks stocks
HSBC initiated coverage of Fevertree, Britvic, Nichols and AG Barr on Wednesday as it took a look at the mid-cap soft drinks market.
Asia report: Markets drop as Trump talks China and protesters rock Hong Kong
Asian markets were broadly lower on Wednesday as protesters stormed the streets of Hong Kong and Donald Trump said he had "no interest" in a trade deal with China unless Beijing agrees to the terms that it had previously accepted.
Reckitt Benckiser chooses outsider as next CEO, taking break-up off the table
Reckitt Benckiser chose an outsider, PepsiCo executive Laxman Narasimhan, to replace Rakesh Kapoor as chief executive officer, a potential signal that a break-up of the company was now off the cards, according to some analysts.
Park Group posts dip in full-year profits, focus on digital investments
Park Group saw a small reduction in full-year sales and profits but sounded an upbeat note on the outlook on the back of the company's heavy investments in technology and new products, which prompted it to raise its dividend payout.
Lidl ramps up London expansion with £500m investment
German discounter Lidl has unveiled a £500m investment plan for London, as it looks to ramp up its foothold in the capital and heap further pressure on larger rivals.
US pre-open: Futures point to more losses as Washington hardens stance on trade talks
Stock futures were pointing to another dour session on the Street after the White House hardened up in its trade talks with China.
London midday: Stocks extend losses as sterling pops higher
London stocks had fallen further into the red by midday on Wednesday amid renewed worries about trade relations between the US and China, while sterling popped higher.
Trump urges China to adhere to already agreed terms on trade or risk more tariffs
President Donald Trump said that China must adhere to the terms of the trade deal that it had agreed to earlier in 2019 or risk a no-deal and higher tariffs.
Paragon Entertainment shares slide as group lowers guidance
Attractions design and fit-out business Paragon Entertainment warned investors on Wednesday that full-year losses would be larger than initially expected despite witnessing revenues come in bang on guidance.
Amigo Holdings slides as largest shareholder considers stake sale
Shares in guarantor loans lender Amigo Holdings slumped on Wednesday after the company's biggest shareholder, Richmond Group, said it was mulling the sale of some of its shares.
Global expansion bolsters profits at Zara owner Inditex
Spain’s Inditex, the world’s largest clothing retailer, has reiterated its focus on global and digital expansion after reporting a jump in first-quarter profits, despite adverse weather tempering sales growth.
Big Sofa shares surge after upping interim revenue forecasts
Video analytics provider Big Sofa Technologies saw interim revenues grow approximately 80% year-on-year in the six months ended 30 June.
Keywords Studios buys Canadian audio description company for CAD3.2m
Keywords Studios has bought Canadian audio description services company Descriptive Video Works for CAD3. 2m.
ECB's Villeroy ready to do 'whatever it takes'
The European Central Bank would add to existing policy stimulus if economic growth hit the skids, but it could only be expected to do so much to offset global trade tensions, a top official said on Wednesday.