London close: China concerns sink Footsie
20th Jan 2011 16:31
Blue chips closed down more than 100 points as hefty losses in the mining sector dragged the whole index down. The index fell below 5,900 points for the first time this year as strong growth in China stoked speculation of an interest rate rise to cool the economy and cap inflation. Miners are heav
Read moreLondon afternoon: Blue chip index down 1.5%
20th Jan 2011 15:01
The leading index is down nearly 100 points as hefty losses in the mining sector continue to damage sentiment. The top share index has fallen below 5,900 points for the first time this year as the impact of snow casts a shadow over a raft of trading updates and strong growth in China stokes specula
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE 100 hits 2011 low
20th Jan 2011 12:04
The top share index has fallen below 5,900 points for the first time this year as the impact of snow casts a shadow over a raft of trading updates and strong growth in China stokes speculation of fiscal tightening. China's economy grew by 10.3% in 2010, ahead of expectations after a strong final qu
Read moreLondon open: More losses for FTSE 100
20th Jan 2011 08:21
The top share index is lower after a disappointing session in the US yesterday, with updates getting a poor reception here. In company news, Associated British Foods (ABF) falls back after saying that it grew revenue by 10% in the first 16 weeks of the financial year, in line with expectations, but
Read moreLondon pre-open: Heading south
20th Jan 2011 07:38
A disappointing session in the US yesterday and weakness in Asia this morning points to a poor start in London this morning. Futures prices currently point to an initial 20-point decline. In company news, Associated British Foods (ABF) grew revenue by 10% in the first 16 weeks of the financial yea
Read moreAB Foods hikes prices as commodities surge
20th Jan 2011 06:58
Associated British Foods (ABF) grew revenue by 10% in the first 16 weeks of the financial year, in line with expectations, but rising commodity prices are hurting margins and the weather-hit sugar crop will trim annual profits. Revenue at constant exchange rates, which cancels the effect of last y
Read moreThursday preview: AB Foods, Enterprise Inns, St. James's Place
19th Jan 2011 17:05
A busy day is in prospect with Primark owner Associated British Foods one of the last retailers to update on Christmas trading, while updates are also expected from other blue-chips such as Enterprise Inns, Invensys, Man Group, Wolseley, easyJet and St. James's Place. It won't all be about Primark
Read moreLondon close: Strong start to 2011 continues
5th Jan 2011 16:44
An afternoon rally helped the FTSE 100 build on yesterday's strong start to the year and stay at levels not seen since the first half of 2008, well in advance of the global economic crash. The turnaround in fortunes was inspired by some strong US jobs data, with payroll processor ADP reporting a re
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie back above 6,000
5th Jan 2011 14:04
Footsie has scrambled back above 6,000 over the lunch time session though the blue-chip index remains slightly lower on the day. Miners remain a drag on the index, with the likes of Antofagasta, Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Kazakhmys falling back in line with softer metals prices. Retailers
Read moreLondon midday: Shares give back some gains
5th Jan 2011 12:07
The FTSE 100 is firmly in the red after yesterday's strong gains amid weakness in the mining and retail sectors. With metals prices falling back following a strong run recently, miners such as Antofagasta, BHP Billiton and Kazakhmys are weak. Retailers are in focus, with Next one of the top riser
Read moreLondon open: Blue chips open lower
5th Jan 2011 08:56
London has opened weaker, continuing the softer trend seen towards the end of yesterday's session with retailers and food groups under pressure. The snow lost Next an estimated £22m of full price sales in the run-up to Christmas - about 2.2% of the season's total sales - although the high street fa
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Miners head higher
10th Dec 2010 14:20
Strong Chinese export figures are pushing miners higher. Vedanta and Fresnillo are leading the way as investors expect Chinese demand for metals to rise. Peter Lynas will take over as BAE Systems finance director from George Rose when he retires at the end of March after 13 years in the role. Ly
Read moreAB Foods trading on track
10th Dec 2010 12:39
Associated British Foods says that its first two months trading of the financial year is in line with expectations but management is still cautious. ABF is worried about how the financial problems in Europe will hit consumer spending. Higher sugar prices should improve the profitability of the Br
Read moreLondon open: Footsie struggles for direction
10th Dec 2010 08:56
It's been a very quiet morning so far with little company news and even the eurozone front calming down a little. Standard Chartered is the worst performer with investors still a little unsettled by its admission yesterday that costs are rising faster than revenues. Rolls-Royce is another faller o
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Smith & Nephew bid rumours
8th Dec 2010 15:21
Smith & Nephew is higher on rumours that it could be the subject of a bid. US private equity firms are thought to be considering an offer at 800p a share. There are also rumours that Gucci owner PPR many bid for Burberry. News from the British Retail Council showing shop price inflation fell f
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