Comment: Dunelm celebrates 30 years in style
15th Sep 2009 12:43
Dunelm calls itself the UK's leading specialist out of town homewares retailer, and who would argue with it after today's strong full-year results and impressive start to the new financial year. Pre-tax profit for the 53 weeks to 4 July 2009 jumped 9% to £53.5m and by 6.8% to £52.5m on a comparable
Read moreLondon midday: RSA's bid plans unclear
15th Sep 2009 12:11
After a quiet but tospy-turvy session the blue-chip index ended the morning in positive territory, despite the UK inflation picture not improving as much in August as expected. The UK Consumer Prices Index in August showed an annual increase of 1.6%, the lowest since level since February 2005 and do
Read moreLondon open: Flat start to anniversary day
15th Sep 2009 08:48
London has made a quiet start as the anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers sparks widespread reflection on what happened, is the crisis over? and what can be done to stop it occuring again. Trading so far is quiet with little significant company news to switch the attention away from the
Read moreLondon pre-open: Early rise likely
15th Sep 2009 07:34
Last night's spirited fightback on Wall Street following President Obama's speech on financial reform looks like getting London off to a good start this morning. Traders reacted warmly to the President's speech in which he said there could be no return to the days of reckless risk-taking. He also s
Read moreDunelm boasts strong start to year
15th Sep 2009 07:04
Specialist homewares retailer Dunelm has reported full-year profit bang in line with expectations and said it is 'very pleased' with a big rise in sales at the start of its new financial year. Pre-tax profit for the 53 weeks to 4 July 2009 jumped 9% to £53.5m and by 6.8% to £52.5m on a comparable 5
Read moreTuesday preview: Debenhams, House Prices, Inflation
14th Sep 2009 15:49
Shares in high flying department store Debenhams have almost doubled over the last year but have been trending lower since May, suggesting that the market is becoming harder to please, especially in the wake of the lukewarm response to the company's fund raising. The company will have its work cu
Read moreTuesday tips round-up: Dunelm, Cranswick, LMS Capital
14th Jul 2009 06:43
Dunelm Group's share price performance over the last year is almost a mirror image of that of most retailers. The out-of-town homeware group has seen its stock gain 80% in the last 12 months as a series of upbeat trading updates and results have made the group the belle of the retail sector. Numbe
Read moreLondon close: Bright finish for FTSE 100
13th Jul 2009 16:26
Footsie put a sluggish start behind it to finish with good gains, helped by a strong showing on Wall Street. Friends Provident was the best performer after Clive Cowdery's new vehicle, Resolution , said it has received "constructive feedback" from the board of Friends over its merger approach and i
Read moreLondon afternoon: Friends leads London higher
13th Jul 2009 14:32
Mergers and acquisition activity is keeping share prices bubbling as London makes a solid start to the week. Friends Provident is the best performer after Clive Cowdery's new vehicle, Resolution , said it has received "constructive feedback" from the board of Friends over its merger approach and i
Read moreLondon midday: M&A activity perks up shares
13th Jul 2009 11:56
The blue-chip index edged higher in the morning sessions despite the weakness of miners and banks, with increased merger and acquisition activity encouraging buyers back to the market. Friends Provident is the best performer after Clive Cowdery's new vehicle, Resolution , said it has received "con
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Strong sales lift Dunelm and Cranswick
13th Jul 2009 10:50
Specialist homewares retailer Dunelm is in demand after it grew market share in the first half of 2009 as like-for-like sales improved, despite a declining market. Sausages and pork products supplier Cranswick climbs after saying it has made a positive start to its new financial year, with first qu
Read moreDunelm grows in declining market
13th Jul 2009 07:36
Specialist homewares retailer Dunelm grew market share in the first half of 2009 as like-for-like sales improved, despite a declining market. Like-for-like sales rose 5% in the 26 weeks to 27 June 2009 in comparison with a year earlier. Total sales rose 10.7% to £215.2m in the half-year period. Fo
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Hochschild hit by lower metals prices
12th Jun 2009 12:26
Lower precious metal prices have sent shares in Hochschild Mining, which produces silver and gold. Food stocks are wanted though, with Hovis-maker Premier Foods and butter and cheese firm Dairy Crest among the top-risers. Premier yesterday announced plans to raise £404m, or £379m net, from a placin
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