Sector movers: Retail rises as Kingfisher takes off
8th Sep 2009 08:50
Kingfisher, the company behind B&Q and Homebase, is lifting the retail sector after saying adjusted pre-tax profit for the six months to 1 August will be between £285m and £290m. DSG International, which owns the Currys and PC World chains, is also higher after appointing Tim How, former boss of Ma
Read moreBAE complains after losing US Army deal
8th Sep 2009 07:39
Aerospace and defence group BAE has made a complaint to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) asking it to review a US Army decision to award a vehicle contract to one of its competitors. BAE had been hoping the Army would use BAE's Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) programme. The c
Read moreMonday newspaper round-up: G20, BAe, T-Mobile
7th Sep 2009 06:39
The future of the French investment banking industry was last night under threat after the Elysée Palace refused to back down over demands to cap traders' bonuses. At the G20 meetings in London that concluded on Saturday, finance ministers and central bankers agreed on guidelines for the payment of
Read moreDefence industry calls for more support
2nd Sep 2009 08:22
The defence sector can be used as one of the UK's 'paths out of recession' as well as continuing to ensure the safety of the country, a report from the industry said as it urged the government to set out its commitment to the sector. 'As the economic frailties of the British economy become more ap
Read moreWednesday newspaper round-up: Insurers fret on new rules
2nd Sep 2009 06:13
UK insurers fear they will be forced to tap investors for more than £50bn in fresh equity as a result of proposed new European rules that they warn would lead to a dramatic increase in premium rates. In a startling letter to Alistair Darling, UK chancellor, the leading UK industry trade body warned
Read moreLondon close: Comfortable gains posted
28th Aug 2009 16:40
London's benchmark index finished the day with decent gains, though off earlier highs, with banks and miners proving the catalyst. Lloyds was the major riser on rumours that it is considering alternatives to the government's toxic asset protection scheme (APS), which could include the sale of Scot
Read moreLondon afternoon: Shares aim higher
28th Aug 2009 14:27
London's blue chips have added to gains in afternoon trading ahead of what is expected to be a rosy start on Wall Street. US stocks are seen posting good gains after Intel hiked its third-quarter revenue outlook just before the open. Kazakhmys, Xstrata, Rio Tinto, Antofagasta, Randgold Resources,
Read moreLondon midday: Miners keep Footsie ahead
28th Aug 2009 11:33
Miners and financials are giving the markets a cheer before the extended weekend break. Kazakhmys, Xstrata, Rio Tinto, Antofagasta, Randgold Resources, Anglo American and Vedanta Resources are all amongst the major risers. Lloyds is amongst the risers on rumours that it is considering alternative
Read moreLondon open: Miners lead advance
28th Aug 2009 08:17
London's blue chips are clawing back some of yesterday's losses in early dealings, thanks to strong mining stocks. Kazakhmys, Xstrata, Rio Tinto, Antofagasta, Randgold Resources, Anglo American and Vedanta Resources are all in demand. Lloyds Banking is said to be considering alternatives to joinin
Read moreLondon close: BAE dives after contract setback
27th Aug 2009 17:15
After dithering for much of the day London ended in arrears, falling for the second day in succession. A weak opening by Wall Street sent the Footsie into decline in the afternoon session and a late swoon by BAE Systems ensured there was no way back to the high ground for the blue-chip index. Shar
Read moreBAE drops after losing follow-on deal
27th Aug 2009 16:11
Shares in BAE Systems dropped after the defence group failed to secure a follow-on contract for the production of vehicles for the US Department of Defense (DoD). The full implications of this decision cannot be assessed until consultations with the DoD have been completed regarding their intention
Read moreSunday's newspaper round-up: BAT, bonus culture, Pearl
16th Aug 2009 14:04
Richard Burrows, a former governor of the Bank of Ireland, is to take on one of the most powerful roles in British business. He is to become chairman of British American Tobacco, says the Sunday Times. The scale of the resurgent bonus culture at Britain's banks has been laid bare by Office of Natio
Read moreTuesday newspaper round-up: Lloyds, JJB, BAE Systems
11th Aug 2009 06:16
Lloyds Banking's tentative plans to raise an estimated £15bn-£20bn in a rights issue to reduce its reliance on the government face a wall of scepticism in Whitehall and among investors. Lloyds last week floated the idea that the terms of its participation in the government's asset protection scheme
Read moreBroker tips: Road-builders, BAE, Morgan Sindall
10th Aug 2009 14:04
The government has been axing road schemes as it seeks to save money and more cuts are likely to follow, said Charles Stanley, which expects these cuts to have serious implications for road-building firms. Companies likely to feel the biggest impact include WS Atkins, Mouchel, Scott Wilson and RPS,
Read moreBroker snap: BAE Systems still defensive
10th Aug 2009 13:25
While noting that defence group BAE faces some disruption from reduced military spending in the US and UK, Charles Stanley expects the firm's diverse business base and wide geographical reach to serve it well. BAE 'continues to operate a well balance business,' with 31% of first half sales from Lan
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