London midday: FTSE 100 gives up gains
1st Mar 2011 12:07
The top share index is flat after giving up early gains, while company updates in the FTSE 250 have sparked big moves in both directions. Capita is the best performer in the FTSE 100 after the outsourcing group said it was in talks with Zurich about performing some administrative tasks for the ins
Read moreBroker tips: BATS, IAG, Capita
25th Feb 2011 12:49
Even though volumes at British American Tobacco (BATS) were down in 2010, Nomura likes the 2011 outlook and stays positive on the tobacco giant. The Japanese broker says that second half volumes (-4%) were always going to be volatile given tax hikes in Japan and the Pakistan uncertainty, due to the
Read moreBroker snap: No news isn't good news at Capita
25th Feb 2011 12:35
Capita Group's 2010 results were broadly 'in line' but lacked any new information, says UBS. The outsourced services provider reported revenues of £2.74bn and organic revenue (negative) growth of -6.8%, beating the broker's estimates of £2.73bn and -7.3%, respectively. "Shares rose on a higher bi
Read moreLondon close: Blue chips rally near close
24th Feb 2011 16:40
Shares rallied near the close despite the ongoing turmoil in Libya as Saudi Arabia indicated it would boost production to meet any shortfall caused by the unrest. Libya only produces about 2% of global output, but traders are worried the turmoil could spread to bigger oil producers, such as Algeri
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Bumper profit from Capita
24th Feb 2011 15:27
Outsourced services provider Capita is the best performer after its figures. Capita lifted revenues and profits in 2010 despite the coalition government's cost-cutting drive. Pre-tax profits climbed to £364.2m from £325.1m on revenues that rose to £2.74bn from £2.69bn. Serco has risen on the back
Read moreLondon midday: Shares still lower as Libya crisis continues
24th Feb 2011 12:11
Shares are stuck in the red as the oil price stays high amid ongoing turmoil in Libya. The north African country itself only produces about 2% of global output, but traders are worried the turmoil could spread to bigger oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia and Algeria. Brent crude jumped to $119.79
Read moreLondon open: Fourth day of falls as oil passes $119
24th Feb 2011 08:31
Shares are down for the fourth day in a row as the Libyan crisis continues to cast a shadow. Today's stream of company results has been given a mixed reception. Worries over the ongoing crisis in Libya - and concerns that other oil rich nations could be affected by protsests - continue to drive the
Read moreCapita profits rise despite austerity
24th Feb 2011 07:34
Capita, the provider of outsourced services that depends on the government for much of its turnover, lifted revenues and profits in the year to 31 December despite the coalition government's cost-cutting drive. Pre-tax profits climbed to £364.2m from £325.1m on revenues that rose to £2.74bn from £2
Read moreThursday preview: RBS, Centrica, Capita ...
23rd Feb 2011 16:36
Thursday is the big day for results, as usual, with the likes of British American Tobacco, Barratt Developments, Capita, Centrica, National Express, Royal Bank of Scotland, RSA Insurance and St. James's Place all updating the market. Nomura Securities is predicting total 2010 operating profit for R
Read moreBroker tips: Marston's, Serco, ASOS
24th Jan 2011 13:31
Pub group and brewer Marston's share price has taken a hit in the last couple of months making what Peel Hunt described as the best operator in the modern pub industry an even bigger bargain. Snow disruption, an "overwhelming exposure" to places with average public sector employment, and the north
Read moreBroker snap: Serco plays down speculation
24th Jan 2011 12:37
Outsourcing giant Serco has confirmed that it is not in talks over acquiring US group SRA International, much to the disappointment of Panmure Gordon, which described it as a missed opportunity for the group to become the "biggest foreign company providing services to the US government." The Teleg
Read moreLondon close: FTSE 100 hits 6,000
23rd Dec 2010 16:37
It was a quiet the markets on the last full day of trading before Christmas, but the top share index's attempt to inch past the 6,000 point mark proved an exciting spectacle. A final push ensured that symbolically important feat was achieved, but FTSE 100 closed just below that level, last seen in
Read moreLondon afternoon: Stocks come off the top
23rd Dec 2010 14:24
Footsie's assault on 6,000 has run out of steam and the blue-chip index is now barely holding on to gains. Mortgage lending fell to a 20-month low in November new figures from the British Bankers' Association (BBA) show, underlining the weakness the housing market is currently experiencing. Oil pr
Read moreLondon midday: Stubborn FTSE 100 stays below 6,000
23rd Dec 2010 12:08
Domestic economic data has failed to jolt the top share index into life, but a raft of data from the US could trigger a move above 6,000 points later this afternoon. Mortgage lending fell to a 20-month low in November new figures from the British Bankers' Association (BBA) show, underlining the wea
Read moreLondon open: Assault on 6,000 begins
23rd Dec 2010 08:15
Blue chips have had a first stab at hitting the magic 6,000 level following gains in the US overnight and are regrouping after falling just one point short. Insurer Old Mutual is among the early winners, followed by Sainsbury's and Kingfisher, but ARM is giving back a little of yesterday's big gain
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