London close: Banks hold back Footsie
12th May 2009 16:28
There was no shortage of company news to give Footsie direction but the index ended the day little changed as downbeat banks offset well-received updates. Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Barclayseased after Credit Suisse suggested the margins of UK banks will come under pressure.
Read moreLondon afternoon: Back in the blue
12th May 2009 14:11
In keeping with the day's topsy-turvy theme, the Footsie is back in positive territory, despite the weakness of banks and miners. Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays are all easier after Credit Suisse suggested the margins of UK banks will come under pressure. In the mining
Read moreBroker tips: UK banks, Enterprise, Babcock
12th May 2009 13:06
Credit Suisse has upped its price targets on part-nationalised banks Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group but the increased targets are still below both banks' current share prices. Royal Bank of Scotland has had its target price increased from 25p to 30p, while Lloyds' price target is b
Read moreBroker snap: Babcock figures please
12th May 2009 13:02
Broker KBC Peel Hunt believes the recent lack of enthusiasm for Babcock International's shares is down to exaggerated fears about public sector spending. The broker believes the recent share price underperformance is unwarranted and has upgraded the stock to 'buy' from 'hold', with a price target o
Read moreLondon midday: Banks lower on margin worries
12th May 2009 12:13
The market had an indecisive morning, with yesterday's decline after four successive days of gains giving investors pause for thought. Banking is the weakest sector after a cautious review of UK banks by Credit Suisse. The Swiss bank has cut its ratings on Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland, with
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Enterprise loses fizz after divi cut
12th May 2009 12:11
On a busy day for the mid-cap index, pubs group Enterprise Inns falls back after calling time on its dividend as it seeks to pay down its debt pile. Engineering support services company Babcock International leads the risers after it reported forecast busting full year profit, upped its dividend an
Read moreLondon open: Dull start for Footsie
12th May 2009 08:46
London's blue chips have opened lower as investors digest a string of trading statements and results. Pubs group Enterprise Inns has called time on its dividend as it seeks to pay down its debt pile. The company announced an interim pre-tax profit of £103m, in line with market expectations but down
Read moreBabcock FY profit up 26%, divi hiked 25%
12th May 2009 07:35
Engineering support services company Babcock International reported forecast busting full year profit, upped its dividend and sees good growth prospects. "We have excellent visibility from our growing order book which now stands at an all time high of £5.7bn," said chief executive Peter Rogers in a
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