Sector movers: Results from Aviva and Friends Life spark surge among life insurers
5th Mar 2015 14:18
Insurers Aviva and Friends Life Group (FLG) each jumped over 7% on Thursday as investors celebrated the companies' 2014 results ahead of the proposed merger, giving the life insurance sector a big boost in London. The impressive figures also helped to allay fears across the wider sector, showing tha
Read moreThursday tips round-up: Dignity, Legal & General
5th Mar 2015 12:47
There are few things in life as certain as death, which gives funeral parlour operator Dignity exceptional visibility. So while the number of funerals dropped by 3.5% last year, the company is now set to benefit from the 23% rise in deaths registered over the first eight weeks of this year. In 2014
Read moreLondon close: Stocks erase losses as ITV, StanChart and IAG gain
4th Mar 2015 16:41
After a weak start, UK markets managed to push into positive territory by Wednesday's close as decent gains from ITV, Standard Chartered and IAG offset some heavy falls in the mining sector. The FTSE 100 snapped three days of losses to finish up 0.44% at 6,919.24. Economic data from across the glob
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: ITV soars after beating 2014 forecasts, Fresnillo plunge on weak profits
4th Mar 2015 15:11
ITV topped the risers after the strongest advertising performance in five years helped it beat forecasts for 2014, as it hiked its annual dividend 34% and proposed an extra payout for shareholders. Numis Securities upped its rating on the broadcaster and producer from 'add' to 'buy'. Emerging market
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE continues retreat from record highs as mining stocks decline
4th Mar 2015 11:55
UK stocks were falling for the fourth straight day on Wednesday after a batch of mixed corporate earnings and global economic data. The FTSE 100 was down 0.32% at 6,866.94 by midday, on track for its lowest close since 16 February, with mining giants Fresnillo and Glencore providing a drag. Stocks
Read moreLondon open: Stocks slip on mixed earnings, Fresnillo and L&G drop
4th Mar 2015 08:23
UK stocks edged lower on Wednesday morning as gains from Standard Chartered and ITV were offset by declines by Fresnillo, Glencore and Legal & General, as investors awaited a barrage of economic data. Following a brief spell in positive territory, the FTSE 100 had fallen 0.2% to 6,875.90 after the f
Read moreLegal & General's full-year earnings grow on annuity sales
4th Mar 2015 08:16
Legal & General reported an 8% increase in annual pre-tax profit to £1.2bn as pension deals lifted annuity sales. The insurer said operating profit increased 10% to £1.28bn but missed the £1.31bn forecast in a poll of analysts supplied by the company. Earnings per share climbed 10% to 16.7p. Annuit
Read moreLegal and General acquires Newlife Home Finance for £5m
9th Feb 2015 15:11
Insurance group Legal and General (L&G) has purchased lifetime mortgage provider Newlife Home Finance for £5m. Lifetime mortgages allow house-owners to borrow against the value of their property, which is then paid back once they die. Insurers have been encouraged to widen the range of their busine
Read moreMonday broker round-up
15th Dec 2014 09:29
Ashtead Group: Berenberg raises target price from 1170p to 1345p and keeps its 'buy' recommendation. Aviva: Citi increases target price from 590p to 620p and maintains a 'buy' recommendation. Bellway: Deutsche Bank ups target price from 1760p to 1778p and reiterates its 'hold' recommendation. Berk
Read moreLegal & General restructures Assurance Society ahead of chief's exit
28th Nov 2014 10:26
Legal & General (LGR) has unveiled plans to split the savings business of Legal and General Assurance Society in two ahead of the retirement of its chief executive in May next year. The FTSE 100 group said it was not planning to appoint a direct replacement for John Pollock, whose retirement was
Read moreLondon pre-open: All eyes on the OPEC meeting, stocks inch higher
27th Nov 2014 07:32
US markets might be closed together for Thanksgiving but those hoping for a quiet day could be disappointed with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) set for a pivotal meeting in Vienna. City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open around eight points higher than yesterday's close
Read moreLegal & General wins £2.5bn bulk annuity contract with TRW pension scheme
27th Nov 2014 07:27
Insurance and investment services group Legal & General has won a £2.5bn bulk annuity contract with the UK pension scheme of US car-parts group TRW Automotive. The deal, with the TRW Pension Scheme, will see L&G remove £2.5bn of liabilities from TRW Automotive's balance sheet and insure over 22,000
Read moreMonday broker round-up UPDATE
17th Nov 2014 10:32
African Barrick Gold: Investec reduces target price from 262p to 170p and downgrades to sell. Associated British Foods: Liberum initiates with a target price of 3470p and a buy recommendation. Bodycote: Investec lowers target price from 750p to 745p and maintains its buy recommendation. Centamin:
Read moreWednesday broker round-up UPDATE
5th Nov 2014 10:02
Associated British Foods: Exane raises target price from 3600p to 3700p, keeping its outperform rating. Citi reduces target price from 3200p to 3100p, while upgrading to buy. AVEVA: Liberum Capital reduces target price from 1500p to 1400p and keeps a hold recommendation. Investec reduces target pric
Read moreBroker tips: Legal & General, Shire, Anglo American...
4th Nov 2014 12:05
Broker Berenberg is advising investors to take cover in Legal & General after the insurer and pension provider doubled its annuity sales target for 2014 despite turbulence caused by a UK government pension shake-up. Berenberg has a 'buy' recommendation on L&G with a 265p price target. Analysts at Sw
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