London 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 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 open: Footsie slips on big results day
13th May 2009 08:40
It's a big day for company announcements, but investors seem unimpressed so far with Footsie off a few points despite good numbers from J Sainsbury, Compass and L&G. Strong demand for its 'basics' range has helped supermarket giant J Sainsbury deliver better than expected full year profit. Underlyi
Read moreLondon pre-open: Modest lift seen at outset
13th May 2009 07:43
Encouraged by Wall Street's late rally yesterday London looks set to open on a positive note. Expectations are for the FTSE 100 to rise around 20 points at the outset. Strong demand for its ‘basics’ range has helped supermarket giant J Sainsbury deliver better than expected full year profit. Underl
Read moreSainsbury's gets boost from budget brand
13th May 2009 07:02
Strong demand for its 'basics' range has helped supermarket giant J Sainsbury deliver better than expected full year profit. Underlying profit for the year to 21 March leapt 11.3% to £543m, ahead of the £527m predicted, while a 6% hike in revenue, excluding VAT, to £18.9bn was in line with forecast
Read moreWednesday preview: Compass, Sainsbury, FirstGroup
12th May 2009 15:40
Supermarket giant J Sainsbury seems to have recovered its poise and purpose in recent years, despite being overtaken in terms of UK market share by first Tesco and then Asda. Though widely assumed to be at the posher end of the supermarket spectrum, it has more than held its own in terms of market
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