London midday: Market remains in the red
16th Mar 2011 11:50
The decline in the FTSE 100 appears to have bottomed out although there are continuing worries over the post-earthquake situation in Japan. A fire at the plant's fourth reactor sent radiation levels soaring and forced what few workers are left battling the potential disaster to retreat. Japan's Emp
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Capita rises on Zurich talks
1st Mar 2011 13:39
Capita is the best performer in the footsie after the outsourcer revealed that it is in talks with insurer Zurich about performing some administrative tasks. The talks cover the UK and as well as some of Zurich's European administrative operations. Mexican miner Fresnillo is investing $800m in it
Read moreBroker tips: Lloyds Banking, AB Foods, Bunzl
28th Feb 2011 15:28
Japanese broker Nomura is still bullish on Lloyds Banking Group which tomorrow welcomes on board new chief executive António Horta-Osório. Last week's full-year profit was in line with the analysts' expectations, with lower revenues and slightly higher costs offset by a much lower impairment charg
Read moreBroker snap: Caution remains over Primark sales at AB Foods
28th Feb 2011 15:10
While Associated British Foods (AB Foods) seems on track for 2011, RBS remains cautious as Primark's sales have clearly slowed.. The Primark owner's first half trading update indicates its overall performance has been 'in line' with operating profit ahead of last year, and financing costs on targe
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie waxes as oil price wanes
28th Feb 2011 14:29
Shares staged a recovery over lunch, boosted by indications of a firmer start on Wall Street and a weakening of the oil price. Oil prices had edged up in the morning session amid continuing turmoil in Libya and the spread of protests to the Gulf state of Oman. Brent crude for April delivery was abo
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: ABF warns on consumer demand
28th Feb 2011 13:53
Associated British Foods is leading the market lower. The British Sugar and Primark owner says that its interim figures will be in line with expectations but it warns of weakening UK consumer demand and rising cotton prices hitting margins. HSBC doubled its profits to over $19bn last year but it
Read moreLondon midday: Shares stuck lower
28th Feb 2011 12:05
Shares remain under pressure as the turmoil continues in the Arab world. Company updates have also been given a slightly frosty reception. Oil prices have edged up again amid continuing turmoil in Libya and the spread of protests to the Gulf state of Oman. Brent crude for April delivery was above $
Read moreLondon open: Oil worries hit blue chips
28th Feb 2011 09:02
London has opened lower on fears of unrest contagion in the Middle East and the possible impact that will have on global oil supplies. A cautious trading update from AB Foods and poorly received results from HSBC have added to the poor start. HSBC doubled its profits to over $19bn last year as bad
Read moreLondon pre-open: Rally to continue
28th Feb 2011 07:38
Having pared last week's losses with a strong performance on Friday the market is again in optimistic mood this morning, though it looks unlikely that the scale of Friday's gains will be seen at the outset today. City traders predict the blue-chip index will creep up 8 points to 6,009. Publishing
Read moreUK shoppers feeling the pinch warns AB Foods
28th Feb 2011 07:19
Primark owner Associated British Foods' interim results will be in line with expectations with all segments delivering good revenue growth, but it is cautious on the UK consumer as the VAT hike starts to bite. Adjusted operating profit will be also ahead of last year with all segments except Ingred
Read moreBroker tips: AB Foods, Hammerson, Logica
23rd Feb 2011 12:39
Nomura keeps its positive stance on Associated British Foods, saying that near-term cost pressures at its Primark division now appear discounted, and the business is well-placed to expand over the medium term. The broker highlights the near-term downgrade risk at AB Foods' Primark division - with r
Read moreBroker snap: AB Foods to shrug off cotton prices
23rd Feb 2011 11:35
Nomura keeps its positive stance on Associated British Foods, saying that near-term cost pressures at its Primark division now appear discounted, and the business is well-placed to expand over the medium term. The broker highlights the near-term downgrade risk at AB Foods' Primark division - with r
Read moreMonday newspaper round-up: Energy groups, Retail sales, RBS...
7th Feb 2011 06:42
The big six energy companies could be driven from Britain if they are treated too harshly in any pricing investigation, a senior minister has told The Times. In an intervention likely to put pressure on regulators, Charles Hendry said that suppliers might be too important to future energy security
Read moreLondon close: Footsie fades late
27th Jan 2011 16:32
Footsie closed lower after an afternoon rally, following a downgrade of Japan's credit weighting by ratings agency Standard & Poors, fizzled out. Life insurers moved to the top of the pile led by Old Mutual, Prudential and Aviva. Mining stocks did well after the US Federal Reserve indicated yesterd
Read moreLondon afternoon: Stocks edge higher
27th Jan 2011 14:23
Footsie remains marginally in positive territory after trading sideways over the lunchtime session, with the downgrade of Japan's credit weighting by ratings agency Standard & Poors continuing to weigh on sentiment. Mining stocks are going well, however, after the US Federal Reserve indicated yeste
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