London close: Shares rise as government takes shape
12th May 2010 16:45
Markets started indecisively with attention focused on the trickle of news of cabinet appointments followed by the first performance of the Cameron-Clegg double act in the garden of 10 Downing Street, but shares later picked up and closed with good gains. Cameron and Clegg were given an indication
Read moreLondon afternoon: Coalition hopes lift Footsie
12th May 2010 15:07
Investors' attention remains firmly focused on the assembly of prime minister David Cameron's new government and his first press conference with new partner Nick Clegg. The pair seemed indistinguishable as they stood on the lawns of No 10 Downing St, but they were given an indication of the econom
Read moreBroker tips: Compass, Rentokil, Barratt
12th May 2010 12:22
Compass has rallied to its highest level since 2001 following "excellent" interim results which beat market expectations, prompting analysts to put their shares on the menu. The firm grew profit before tax by 19% to £459m during the first six months and underlying profit by 14% to £462m. Reported r
Read moreLondon midday: Shares seeking direction
12th May 2010 12:04
With much of traders' attention focused on the assembly of prime minister David Cameron's new government, shares are little changed. Cameron, the country's youngest prime minister for almost 200 years, will head a coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Lib Dem leader Nick
Read moreBroker snap: Compass points north
12th May 2010 11:12
Compass has rallied to its highest level since 2001 following "excellent" interim results which beat market expectations, prompting analysts to put their shares on the menu. The firm grew profit before tax by 19% to £459m during the first six months and underlying profit by 14% to £462m. Reported r
Read moreLondon open: Footsie starts lower
12th May 2010 08:42
London's top stocks opened slightly lower as David Cameron started his first full day as Britain's new prime minister. Cameron, the country's youngest prime minister for almost 200 years, will head a coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats after a day of more dramatic twists
Read moreLondon pre-open: Small drop ahead
12th May 2010 07:38
The Footsie is expected to drop slightly when it opens to a new Conservative government after David Cameron was appointed Britain's new prime minister last night. Cameron, the country's youngest prime minister for almost 200 years, will head a coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal D
Read moreCompass anticipates 'modest' organic growth
12th May 2010 07:19
Catering giant Compass expects a strong new business pipeline and a stabilisation in like for like volume to deliver modest organic revenue growth during the second half. The firm grew profit before tax by 19% to £459m during the first six months and underlying profit by 14% to £462m. Reported rev
Read moreCompass acquires French caterer
5th May 2010 13:23
Caterer Compass has increased its presence in France with the acquisition of foodservice group Caterine Restauration from Industries & Finances Partenaires for €34m. Caterine Restauration provides catering services for schools and hospitals and according to Compass 'provides an excellent platform f
Read moreThursday tips round-up: Compass, Chesnara, Topps Tiles
1st Apr 2010 06:56
It is caterer Compass's push into running more than just canteens for its customers that could provide the next leg-up. It wants to handle other support services, too, such as cleaning, laundry and reception services, and with annual cash generation of £500 million and net debt of less that £1bn,
Read moreLondon close: Up and down day for London
31st Mar 2010 17:07
The movements of the blue-chip index looked like they were being directed by the grand old Duke of York on Wednesday, with the market finishing neither up nor down. British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) was predictably outraged at the decision by telecoms regulator Ofcom to order it to make its two top
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie slides into negative territory
31st Mar 2010 14:09
After a bright start London has turned lower in the afternoon session in anticipation of a weak start on Wall Street. Televised sport is big news on the trading screens as telecoms regulator Ofcom ordered BSkyB to make its two top sports channels available to rivals at a 23% discount to the curren
Read moreLondon midday: Footsie drifts lower
31st Mar 2010 12:17
Footsie is now flat as investors digest a big morning for company announcements. Televised sport is big news on the trading screens as telecoms regulator Ofcom ordered BSkyB to make its two top sports channels available to rivals at a 23% discount to the current price. This was a bigger cut than
Read moreLondon open: BSkyB shrugs off Ofcom attack
31st Mar 2010 08:49
Footsie is higher in early dealings as investors digest updates from food-related stocks and big news for televised sports. Telecoms regulator Ofcom is on a collision course with BSkyB after it ordered the satellite broadcaster to make its two top sports channels available to rivals at a 23% discou
Read moreLondon pre-open: Slow start expected
31st Mar 2010 07:37
A subdued start is expected from Footsie in early dealings as investors digest updates from food-related stocks. Telecoms regulator Ofcom is on a collision course with BSkyB after it ordered the satellite broadcaster to make its two top sports channels available to rivals at a 23% discount to the c
Read more