FTSE 100 movers: Rio deal uncertainty dominates day
4th Jun 2009 15:03
Rio Tinto dominated trading as its deal with Chinese giant Chinalco looked all but dead in the water as the mining giant confirmed it is considering its options. A rights issue to raise up to $15bn could be announced as soon as tomorrow according to reports in Australia. Rio shares slumped by nearl
Read moreBroker tips: Wm. Morrison, Debenhams, Genus
4th Jun 2009 13:16
Supermarket chain Wm. Morrison's first quarter trading update was ahead of market expectations, prompting Charles Stanley to upgrade its rating on the stock. The broker now advises clients to accumulate the shares, having previously rated the shares as a 'hold'. Charles Stanley has bumped up its e
Read moreBroker snap: Charles Stanley adds Morrison to shopping list
4th Jun 2009 12:57
Supermarket chain Wm. Morrison's first quarter trading update was ahead of market expectations, prompting Charles Stanley to upgrade its rating on the stock. The broker now advises clients to accumulate the shares, having previously rated the shares as a 'hold'. 'The strong sales performance was b
Read moreSector movers: Chemical firm news sparks adverse reaction
4th Jun 2009 12:19
Two news items from chemicals companies have been given the thumbs down by investors. Speciality chemicals firm Johnson Matthey, which refines platinum for catalytic converters, is lower after it saw profits for the year fall 5%. It also warned thatinterim operating profit in the new year will be l
Read moreLondon open: Stocks post slim gains
4th Jun 2009 08:22
London's top stocks are posting slight gains in early deals ahead of the Bank of England's interest rate decision later today with supermarkets doing well. Wm Morrison made a good start to the new trading year, with sales growth well ahead of the sector norm. Like for like sales improved by 8.2%, o
Read moreLondon pre-open: Footsie to edge higher
4th Jun 2009 07:50
London's leading share index is tipped to rise slightly in early dealings on a busy day for the retail sector Department store Debenhams is to raise £323m through a placing and open offer to reduce its debt burden and improve its ability to acquire retail assets that may arise if the economic downt
Read moreLondon close: US sparks Footsie recovery
26th May 2009 16:29
Footsie finished higher Tuesday after a strong performance by US shares, lifted by consumer confidence figures, hauled London's leading share index out of the red. The mining sector summed up the volatility seen on the markets today. Rio Tinto climbed after it said it had agreed a 33% cut in contra
Read moreLondon afternoon: Defensive stocks back in favour
26th May 2009 14:42
Hopes that Wall Street might provide a fillip to UK shares have been dashed as US markets open in a similarly dull fashion to London. Mining stocks and financials are the worst performers while defensive sectors such as tobaccos and supermarkets have returned to favour. Mining giant Rio Tinto is lo
Read moreSector movers: Tesco climbs after giving workers shares
26th May 2009 12:08
Food retailers are going well including Tesco, which is distributing £98m in shares among its workers. The details emerged as the group published its 2008/2009 annual report, which also revealed that top bosses picked up £22.2m in salary and bonuses. More than 200,000 workers - from checkout staff
Read moreLondon midday: Equities drift lower
26th May 2009 12:07
It was a dull morning session for London's leading shares, with the market following Asian markets lower after the news broke concerning North Korea's nuclear bomb test. Mining stocks and financials are the worst performers. Mining giant Rio Tinto is lower after it agreed a 33% cut in contract fin
Read moreLondon close: Banks hold back Footsie
12th May 2009 16:28
There was no shortage of company news to give Footsie direction but the index ended the day little changed as downbeat banks offset well-received updates. Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Barclayseased after Credit Suisse suggested the margins of UK banks will come under pressure.
Read moreLondon afternoon: Back in the blue
12th May 2009 14:11
In keeping with the day's topsy-turvy theme, the Footsie is back in positive territory, despite the weakness of banks and miners. Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays are all easier after Credit Suisse suggested the margins of UK banks will come under pressure. In the mining
Read moreLondon midday: Banks lower on margin worries
12th May 2009 12:13
The market had an indecisive morning, with yesterday's decline after four successive days of gains giving investors pause for thought. Banking is the weakest sector after a cautious review of UK banks by Credit Suisse. The Swiss bank has cut its ratings on Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland, with
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