London midday: Water companies keep Footsie afloat
27th May 2009 12:10
The Footsie is barely keeping its head above water, despite expectations of a moderately firm start on Wall Street. Water companies receive a boost ahead of the sector's results season which starts this week, with Credit Suisse claiming the sector's rally is set to continue. The Swiss bank has upgr
Read moreWednesday newspaper round-up: Darling confident on forecasts
20th May 2009 06:13
Alistair Darling has predicted that the recession will be over by Christmas, brushing aside doubts that his Budget forecasts are over-optimistic. In an interview with The Times, the Chancellor defied a gloomy assessment of Britain's recovery prospects set to emerge today in an annual economic healt
Read moreLondon close: Miners and financials lead the way
19th May 2009 16:31
Strength among financial plays and miners guaranteed London gains Tuesday, although it had looked a close call following a weak start on Wall Street. A near-13% slump in US housing starts in April proved a drag mid-afternoon before US stocks regained their poise and moved higher. Anglo American fi
Read moreShell shareholders revolt over executive pay
19th May 2009 15:56
Shareholders gave Shell a piece of their mind at today's annual meeting, with almost 60% voting against the oil giant's executive wage plan. The Anglo-Dutch group awarded directors big share-based bonuses despite missing targets. They could have earned as much as 200% of their pay in shares if t
Read moreLondon afternoon: Shares off top after US housing starts shock
19th May 2009 14:15
Alarming US housing starts data looks set to put the kybosh on the prospect of a firm start on Wall Street and has had a knock-on effect in London, where share prices are coming off the top. Marks & Spencer remains the day's biggest blue-chip faller after it saw a sharp drop in pre-tax profits to
Read moreTechnical Analysis: Retailers advance slips back
14th May 2009 08:18
The retail sector has enjoyed a good move higher since the beginning of the year, over 500 points; however it does appear to have run into some selling interest above the 1,475 level, which was a significant resistance level, as indicated last month. Even though the sector managed to get above the
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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