London midday: Markets rangebound ahead of Fed decision
18th Sep 2013 11:32
Markets were rangebound on Wednesday morning as investors showed nervousness ahead of the all-important Federal Reserve policy decision later this evening. UK stocks were registering moderating gains by midday but just 19 points separated the FTSE 100's intraday low (6,568) and high (6,587) as trad
Read moreLondon open: Stocks flat as investors turn cautious ahead of Fed
18th Sep 2013 08:16
Markets opened broadly flat on Wednesday morning as investors refrained from building positions ahead of the conclusion of this month's all-important Federal Reserve policy meeting. However, with an announcement from the US central bank not due out until after markets close this evening, there will
Read moreTuesday tips round-up: Lloyds, Petrofac, Optimal payments
17th Sep 2013 08:36
The government is a bit late to the party but the first step in the winding down of its stake in Lloyds should be welcome. In particular, it is a positive that it finally opted for a placing among institutional investors, rather than an initial public offering [IPO] or convoluted share giveaway, as
Read moreLondon close: Stocks at six-week high despite subdued finish
16th Sep 2013 16:30
UK stocks registered decent gains on Monday as markets reacted positively to the withdrawal of Larry Summers from the candidacy to head the Federal Reserve, though investors turned more cautious towards the end of the session. Gains were trimmed slightly in afternoon trade on reports of a shooting
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE 100 at six-week high after Summers' withdrawal
16th Sep 2013 11:30
News that Larry Summers has dropped out of the running for Federal Reserve Chairman gave market sentiment a boost on Monday morning while concerns over Syria eased. London's FTSE 100 surged to a six-week high of around 6,639 today - the last time the index closed higher was on August 2nd when it en
Read moreLondon open: Stocks jump ahead of Fed, Syria concerns ease
16th Sep 2013 08:29
Markets opened strongly on Monday morning as eyes begin to turn to the Federal Reserve ahead of its all-important policy meeting this week while concerns about Syria eased. The Federal Open Market Committee's two-day meeting is due to come to a close on Wednesday and will likely be one of the most
Read moreLondon pre-open: Strong gains expected as eyes turn to Fed meeting
16th Sep 2013 07:21
Markets are expected to open with strong gains on Monday morning as eyes begin to turn to the Federal Reserve ahead of its all-important policy meeting this week. City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open up 70 points from Friday's close of 6,583.8. The Federal Open Market Committee's two-day me
Read morePetrofac wins training contract with Malaysia's Petronas
16th Sep 2013 07:07
Oil and gas services provider Petrofac is to operate and manage two training facilities for Malaysian oil major Petronas in a contract worth 120m dollars. The company is currently constructing two upstream plant training facilities and a downstream facility to support Petronas' workforce capability
Read moreThursday broker round-up UPDATE
5th Sep 2013 08:03
AMEC: Nomura reduces target price from 1300p to 1230p, while reiterating its buy recommendation. Antofagasta: Exane cuts target price from 1200p to 1100p maintaining an outperform rating. Ashtead Group: JP Morgan shifts target price from 729p to 734p and keeps a neutral rating. Associated British
Read moreWednesday tips round-up: Petrofac, BPI
28th Aug 2013 07:27
Shares of oil equipment manufacturer Petrofac are too cheap given the very positive expectations for its sales and earnings next year. Not only were its interim figures out yesterday better than expected, the company is expected to receive a significant boost as the In Salah gas project comes on-lin
Read moreLondon close: Syrian crisis hits stocks despite upbeat economic data
27th Aug 2013 16:30
Data showing improving confidence in Germany and the States wasn't enough to lift markets on Tuesday as investor sentiment was rattled by escalating tensions between Syria and the West. Business confidence in Germany improved across the board in August as the Eurozone's largest economy continues to
Read moreSector movers: Petrofac lifts oil services as crude prices rise
27th Aug 2013 15:12
Oil services stocks were the best performers in London on Tuesday, helped by a confident outlook by sector giant Petrofac. Oil producers were also making decent gains as escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to push crude prices higher - Brent futures were trading at a six-month high toda
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Fresnillo, Randgold, Petrofac
27th Aug 2013 13:49
Precious metal companies Fresnillo and Randgold Resources gained as the prices of gold, silver and copper surged. Petrofac advanced as analysts at Liberum Capital said the weakness in shares and the oilfield services company's upbeat outlook presented a good buying opportunity. Marks & Spencer ra
Read moreLondon midday: Stocks fall as Syrian crisis hits sentiment
27th Aug 2013 11:46
Escalating tensions in the Middle East dented investor sentiment on Tuesday morning as traders largely shook off some upbeat economic data closer to home. Business sentiment in Germany improved across the board in August as the Eurozone's largest economy continues to build momentum. The IFO report,
Read moreLondon open: Markets edge lower after long weekend
27th Aug 2013 08:12
Stocks fell on Tuesday morning after a three-day weekend as markets attempted to play catch-up following negative sessions in the US and Asia overnight. Concerns over Syria are likely to weigh on sentiment after US Secretary of State John Kerry said last night that Syria would be held accountable f
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