Rio counts cost of weather disruptions
13th Apr 2011 07:49
Mining colossus Rio Tinto said first quarter production in Australia was hit by the severe weather in the region but added that most operations are now getting back to normal. Global iron ore production on an attributable share basis in the first quarter was 3% lower than in the corresponding quart
Read moreLondon pre-open: Footsie to make assault on 6,000
13th Apr 2011 07:46
After yesterday's shake out buyers are expected to be back in force this morning with the FTSE 100 index tipped to open around 30 points higher, leaving a handful of points short of the 6,000 level. Mining giant Rio Tinto said first quarter production in Australia was hit by the extreme weather in
Read moreLondon close: Shares slump as worries resurface
12th Apr 2011 16:38
The top share index's losses were almost in the triple digits by the close of trade after a steady day of losses amid worries over global economic growth. The IMF lowered its US 2011 GDP growth forecast by -0.2 percentage points, to 2.8%. Nor did Britain emerge unscathed. The IMF revised down its
Read moreLondon afternoon: More losses after weak US start
12th Apr 2011 15:31
The top share index has run into further selling after a poor start on Wall Street. Worries over global growth have re-emerged. The IMF lowered its US 2011 GDP growth forecast by -0.2 percentage points, to 2.8%. Nor did Britain emerge unscathed. The IMF revised down its growth expectations this y
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE 100 slips below 6,000
12th Apr 2011 12:04
The top share index is back below 6,000 points as concerns over global economic growth weigh on sentiment. The IMF lowered its US 2011 GDP growth forecast by -0.2 percentage points, to 2.8%. Nor did Britain emerge unscathed. The IMF revised down its growth expectations this year from 2%to 1.7%. Me
Read moreLondon open: Global growth worries hit stocks
12th Apr 2011 08:22
Stocks are on the back foot after the International Monetary Fund slashed its growth forecasts for the US and amid renewed worries over Japan after its earthquake. The IMF lowered its US 2011 GDP growth forecast by -0.2 percentage points, to 2.8%. Nor did Britain emerge unscathed. The IMF revised
Read moreLondon close: Miners drive FTSE 100 rally
8th Apr 2011 16:44
Stocks went into the weekend on the front foot as higher commodity prices drove miners forward. Shares in Fresnillo, which mines for silver in Mexico, went well as the precious metal hit $40 an ounce for the first time since 1980, but was leapfrogged by more mainstream miners such as Anglo American
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Miners dominate risers
8th Apr 2011 13:32
Surging commodity prices have helped the miners dominate the FTSE 100 risers, with seven out of top ten best performers coming from the sector. Shares in Fresnillo, which mines for silver in Mexico, are higher after silver hit $40 an ounce for the first time since 1980, while gold prices have hit r
Read moreLondon midday: Shares buoyant as commodities soar
8th Apr 2011 12:13
Miners are leading the rally in the FTSE 100 as commodity prices advance, though the higher oil price is causing concern. Shares in Fresnillo, which mines for silver in Mexico, were the best performing in London's leading share index. Silver hit $40 an ounce for the first time since 1980, while gol
Read moreLondon open: Shares bounce back
8th Apr 2011 08:28
Shares have rebounded after a late dive yesterday following an earthquake aftershock in Japan, which was not as bad as feared. Indian mining giant Vedanta produced record volumes of metals in the fourth quarter as it sought to benefit from soaring commodity prices. In its Indian zinc-lead-silver op
Read moreRio's Riversdale bid crawls across finish line
8th Apr 2011 08:20
Mining giant Rio Tinto has finally managed to get majority control of Australian mining company Riversdale, bringing to an end a bid saga that has been running since Christmas. Rio said its shareholding has passed 50% of coal miner Riversdale, and may grow further as the company's offer remains ope
Read moreLondon afternoon: Invensys bid fever fades
30th Mar 2011 14:39
Stocks came off the top over the lunch time session, though risers still comfortably outnumber fallers among Footsie constituents by at least two to one. Miners are setting the pace, particularly Vedanta, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Antofagasta. At the other end of the scale Invensys is sharply lo
Read moreFTSE100 movers: Miners push index higher
30th Mar 2011 12:59
Mining companies are pushing upwards on hopes for economic recovery leading to higher demand for metals. Vedanta Resources, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have all made gains. British Sky Broadcasting and Prudential have both gone ex-dividend. BSkyB has fallen by a similar amount to its 8.74p interi
Read moreSector movers: Rio Tinto's bid lifts miners
29th Mar 2011 16:00
Rio Tinto is among the best performing miners lifting the sector higher after its A$3.9bn bid for Australian coal miner Riversdale was declared unconditional. Eager shareholders who've already sent off their acceptance forms will get the $16 a share offered by 5 April, but will be watching closely
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Wolseley back in black
29th Mar 2011 14:24
Building and plumbing supplies giant Wolseley has bounced back. It has returned to profit and reinstated its dividend as its core markets in Europe and the US both stabilised. Rio Tinto's bid for Riversdale has been declared unconditional. BP is under pressure after major shareholder Standard Li
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