London open: Markets hold at three-week high
2nd Apr 2014 08:59
- Markets flat ahead of ECB, US data - Antofagasta operations unaffected by Chile quake - Domino's, ASOS impress with results techMARK 2,788.47 +0.16% FTSE 100 6,650.51 -0.03% FTSE 250 16,413.15 +0.03% UK stocks were flat at a three-week high on Wednesday morning as investors paused for breath ahe
Read moreMonday broker round-up UPDATE
31st Mar 2014 10:41
African Minerals: Credit Suisse cuts target price from 280p to 200p maintaining a neutral rating. Anglo American: Credit Suisse reduces target price from 1900p to 1800p and retains an outperform rating. ARM Holdings: Barclays takes target price from 1125p to 1200p and reiterates an overweight reco
Read moreSector movers: Insurance stocks whacked by FCA investigation
28th Mar 2014 14:42
Insurance stocks were reeling on Friday ahead of a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation into billions of pounds worth of policies dating back four decades on concerns that customers were being exploited. The FCA, which will formally announce the probe on Monday, is focusing on products t
Read moreLondon midday: Markets erase gains as insurance stocks tank
28th Mar 2014 12:02
- Insurers drop sharply on FCA investigation reports - Miners edge higher - Chinese Premier hints at more stimulus techMARK 2,767.34 +0.16% FTSE 100 6,590.41 +0.03% FTSE 250 16,181.96 -0.12% The FTSE 100 was trading more or less flat by Friday lunchtime after erasing earlier gains as heavy losses
Read moreLondon open: Miners rise on Chinese stimulus hopes, insurers drop
28th Mar 2014 08:34
- Miners rise on Chinese stimulus hopes - Li Keqiang hints at possible easing - Insurers fall on FCA investigation techMARK 2,779.04 +0.58% FTSE 100 6,621.74 +0.51% FTSE 250 16,239.90 +0.23% UK stocks were making decent gains on Friday morning after a positive session in Asia overnight as comments
Read moreLondon midday: Insurance stocks push markets higher, but banks fall
26th Mar 2014 11:42
- FTSE 100 at highest since March 11th - Insurers provide a lift, Standard Life and Phoenix in focus - Lloyds drops after government sale, RBS downgraded - ECB, PBoC stimulus hopes and US data drive gains techMARK 2,787.86 +0.51% FTSE 100 6,630.79 +0.39% FTSE 250 16,273.83 +0.75% UK stocks were at
Read moreOriel sees higher dividends at Phoenix after Ignis deal
26th Mar 2014 10:41
Oriel Securities has kept an 'add' rating on Phoenix Group, hailing the closed life funds consolidator's deal to sell its Ignis Asset Management division to Standard Life. The £390m cash deal forms part of Phoenix's planned reduction in gearing levels and diversification of its financing structure,
Read moreLondon open: Stocks at two-week high, Standard Life jumps
26th Mar 2014 08:19
- FTSE 100 set for best close since March 12th - Markets track gains on US, Asian indices - Standard Life, Phoenix agree on Ignis deal - Lloyds drops after government sale techMARK 2,793.31 +0.70% FTSE 100 6,620.06 +0.23% FTSE 250 16,264.06 +0.69% UK stocks edged higher on Wednesday morning with m
Read morePhoenix profits edge higher in 2013
26th Mar 2014 07:55
- Cash generation exceeds targets - Profits up two per cent, AuM and dividend flat - Ignis sold to Standard Life, gearing to fall Closed life funds consolidator Phoenix Group left its 2013 full-year dividend payout unchanged after operating profits rose two per cent and assets under management (AuM
Read morePhoenix plans gearing reduction through Ignis disposal
26th Mar 2014 07:29
Closed life funds consolidator Phoenix Group has sold its Ignis Asset Management division to Standard Life as part of its planned reduction in gearing levels and diversification of its financing structure. The £390m cash deal came just two days after the companies confirmed media speculation that t
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Diploma falls on full-year outlook
24th Mar 2014 13:52
Technical product firm Diploma was a big faller after it told investors its final results would be adversely affected by the appreciation of sterling. Broker Jefferies warned that currency headwinds will likely result in mid-single digit downgrades to earnings estimates for this year. Diploma, whi
Read moreLondon midday: Stocks fall as Crimea turmoil drags on
24th Mar 2014 11:42
- Ukraine tensions escalate as G7 leaders meet - Interim President orders withdrawal from Crimea - Chinese manufacturing PMI eases - Kentz, Centamin impress, Diploma drops techMARK 2,769.80 -0.75% FTSE 100 6,537.07 -0.31% FTSE 250 16,085.67 -0.46% Heightened geopolitical tensions in Ukraine pushed
Read morePhoenix would be 'selling the family silver' in Ignis deal, says Shore Capital
24th Mar 2014 10:28
Shore Capital has reiterated its 'hold' recommendation on insurer Standard Life after the company confirmed speculation that it is in talks with Phoenix regarding the potential purchase of the latter's Ignis Asset Management division. Standard Life said it was in "exclusive and advanced" discussion
Read moreLondon open: Ukraine, China fears weigh on stocks
24th Mar 2014 08:24
- Reports of increased Russian presence near Ukraine border - Chinese manufacturing PMI falls - Standard Life in talks with Phoenix over Ignis - Kentz, Centamin rise after results techMARK 2,779.91 -0.39% FTSE 100 6,549.85 -0.11% FTSE 250 16,173.87 +0.09% UK stocks opened in the red on Monday as r
Read moreSector movers: Life Insurers lifted by ratings report
19th Dec 2013 14:39
Life insurers were almost universally higher after rating agency Fitch gave an encouraging bill of health on US counterparts for 2014. The sector was up 2.3 per cent on the day. Insurance peers Aviva, Legal & General, Old Mutual, Phoenix, Prudential, St James's Place and Standard Life were all high
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