FTSE 250 movers: Imagination Tech falls despite strong second half
16th Mar 2011 15:19
Imagination Technologies is the worst performer Wednesday despite continuing to see growing demand for its graphics chip technology, though its Digital Audio Broadcasting division, PURE, is finding things a bit tougher. The group expects the volume of chips shipped in the second half of the financ
Read moreBroker tips: Daily Mail, Halfords, Supergroup
17th Jan 2011 13:09
Along with its sector peers, newspaper publisher Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) experienced a tough December but Panmure Gordon initiates a 'buy' rating ahead of the group's first quarter update in the coming weeks. Like most newspapers, the Daily Mail suffered an above-average rate of year-on
Read moreBroker snap: Halfords estimates reduced but still a 'buy'
17th Jan 2011 12:52
While finnCap has reduced its forecasts for Halfords on the back of its recent disappointing sales performance, the broker has retained its positive stance on the stock as guidance on margins and costs are unchanged. The bike and car parts retailer's third quarter trading statement "was the latest
Read moreLondon close: Footsie scuppered by Tesco
13th Jan 2011 16:51
London struggled all day after a grim performance by supermarket Tesco and disappointing US unemployment data in the afternoon. The Bank of England's decision to leave interest rates at 0.5% and the asset purchase programme unchanged was as expected. US shares fell back, with the Dow down 14 point
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie extends losses
13th Jan 2011 15:38
A weak start on Wall Street and grim performance by supermarket Tesco is keeping London firmly in the red Thursday. Disappointing weekly jobs data in the US scuppered any chance UK blue chips had of turning positive, while the Bank of England's decision to leave interest rates at 0.5% and the asset
Read moreLondon midday: Shares little changed
13th Jan 2011 12:01
Today's stream of updates from the retail sector has failed to give the top share index much of a jolt in either direction. The Bank of England left interest rates at 0.5% and the asset purchase programme unchanged, as expected. Tesco falls after the snow and ice meant UK like for like sales were
Read moreLondon open: Retailers move both ways after updates
13th Jan 2011 08:31
The top share index is little changed in early dealings though there are some notable movers in both directions, particularly in the retail sector. Tesco falls after the snow and ice meant UK like for like sales were weaker than expected and lagged rivals. Like for like sales in the UK for the six
Read moreLondon pre-open: Flat start expected
13th Jan 2011 07:36
Not much is expected to change in early deals here despite gains in the US overnight and the Far East this morning. Markets worldwide have benefited from more positive noises coming out of Europe the past few days, with news of Portugal's successful bond auction yesterday well-received. Tesco's in
Read moreHalfords in the slow lane
13th Jan 2011 07:01
Bike and car parts seller Halfords saw the fall-off in like for like (LFL) sales accelerate in the final quarter of 2010 in its retail estate, and the group now expects full year profits will be at the lower end of market expectations. In the 13 weeks to 31 December retail revenues fell by 6.6% on
Read moreBroker tips: Retailers, CPP, Diploma
21st Dec 2010 14:08
Peel Hunt has evaluated the impact of recent weather disruptions at a crucial time of year for retailers, as the first companies begin to deliver snow-driven profit warnings. The broker highlights high street womenswear retailer Alexon's trading update as the first of many weak outlook statements.
Read moreBroker snap: Retail sector winners and losers
21st Dec 2010 12:39
Peel Hunt has evaluated the impact of recent weather disruptions at a crucial time of year for retailers, as the first companies begin to deliver snow-driven profit warnings. The broker highlights high street womenswear retailer Alexon's trading update as the first of many weak outlook statements.
Read moreBroker tips: BTG, Halfords, National Grid
19th Nov 2010 13:50
KBC is impressed with BTG's latest acquisition, as it foresees some exposure in emerging markets for the UK drugs group. The acquisition of stent specialist Biocompatibles (BII) is expected to bring in a £36m revenue stream, a significant cash position of £33m and an underlying profitable business
Read moreBroker snap: Buy Halfords despite downgrades, says finnCap
19th Nov 2010 11:07
Despite Halfords suffering a series of setbacks in recent months, finnCap remains a 'buyer' of the car and bike parts retailer for its above average yield. The company's interim results were generally in line with expectations, with pre-tax profit coming in only £0.7m higher at £86.7m. Retail gros
Read moreLondon close: Good day for blue chips
18th Nov 2010 16:36
Blue chips had a good day buoyed by the response to General Motor's record breaking US float and hopes for a deal in Ireland. Patrick Honohan, the head of Ireland's central bank, confirmed a loan is likely, with brokers suggesting it could be as much as €85bn, including €20bn to provide support for
Read moreLondon afternoon: Stocks extend gains
18th Nov 2010 15:28
A positive start by Wall Street has given renewed impetus to Footsie's rise this afternoon. As in Europe, stocks are rising in the US on the hope that a package to take the steam out of the Irish debt crisis is imminent. Patrick Honohan, the head of Ireland's central bank, has confirmed a loan is
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