FTSE 100 movers: Glencore leaps after merger finally completes
2nd May 2013 15:32
Glencore International was in the top spot after finally completing the merger with fellow miner Xstrata. Oil and gas conglomerate BG Group was also a strong riser after it cheered investors with a one per cent rise in revenue and other operating income. Financial services group Legal & General
Read moreLondon midday: Markets subdued as eyes turn to ECB
2nd May 2013 11:18
Markets were trading within a narrow range on Thursday as traders refrained from taking risk ahead of a potential rate cut from the European Central Bank (ECB) this afternoon. The consensus forecast is for a 25 basis-point cut in the ECB's key lending rate (the 'refi' rate) from 0.75% to 0.5%, give
Read moreLondon open: Markets cautious ahead of ECB decision
2nd May 2013 08:57
The FTSE 100 was in the red in early trading on Thursday as nerves set in ahead of the all-important European Central Bank (ECB) policy decision later on. "The day of reckoning has arrived, with the market largely priced for a 25 basis-point (bp) cut in the ECB's main refinancing rate to 0.50%. The
Read moreSmith & Nephew announces 300m dollar share buyback
2nd May 2013 07:11
Medical technology group Smith & Nephew said it plans to give back 300m dollars to shareholders in a buyback plan. The group, which makes artificial hips, said the buyback is part of its new capital allocation framework for further investments and acquisitions. The group also posted revenue of $1.
Read moreThursday tips round-up: Hargreaves Lansdown, Tesco, Smiths News
18th Apr 2013 08:37
Hargreaves Lansdown stands to benefit from the Retail Distribution Review which came into effect this year. As well, the company's business model is structured in such a manner that it gains more through management charges as its clients do so. Further, it is more of a retail supermarket than a fund
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE 100 on track for fourth straight loss
17th Apr 2013 11:39
A number of heavyweight stocks going ex-dividend assured that London's FTSE 100 index was in the red for a fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, while concerns over the global economy continued to weigh on sentiment. Global growth fears have hit markets over the last few days after a surprise slowdo
Read moreLondon open: Ex-div stocks sink markets early on
17th Apr 2013 08:47
The FTSE 100 was in the red for the fourth straight day on Wednesday as a number of ex-dividend stocks provided a drag on London's benchmark index. Global growth concerns have weighed on markets over the last few days after a surprise slowdown was reported in China in the first quarter. These fears
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: ARM falls on reaffirmed 'sell' rating
16th Apr 2013 15:06
Chip designer ARM Holdings was the biggest faller after Societe Generale reiterated its bearish 'sell' rating on the stock. That comes on the back of slowing growth trends for the two leading smartphone makers. "We estimate that to justify the current share price ARM needs to maintain over 15 per ce
Read moreLondon close: Stocks slip as central banks stand pat
7th Feb 2013 17:19
Markets across Europe suffered steep losses on Thursday as traders reacted to comments from central bankers from the UK and Europe. "Early gains in equity markets proved unsustainable in the face of rising European yields and the unconvincing political backdrop," said senior sales trader Matt Basi
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Compass rises on strong first quarter
7th Feb 2013 14:58
Contract caterer Compass was a high riser after having a good first quarter with expectations for the full year unchanged as its North America and emerging market business segments performing strongly. Telecoms group Vodafone rose despite posting a 1.8% drop in revenue for the last three months of
Read moreLondon midday: Markets lower as BoE holds rates
7th Feb 2013 11:46
Markets were slightly lower by Thursday lunchtime as it was announced that the Bank of England (BoE) had kept interest rates unchanged at its latest meeting, however investors were focusing mainly on comments from incoming Governor Mark Carney before the Treasury Select Committee. Carney and the Bo
Read moreBroker tips: Vodafone, Smith & Nephew, SuperGroup
7th Feb 2013 11:15
Vodafone's share price may have reacted well to the company's third-quarter results on Thursday, but Nomura has highlighted concerns with the company's dividend on the back of accounting changes to be implemented next year which could cut free cash flow. "Vodafone's board will reconsider uses of ca
Read moreBroker snap: Investec downgrades Smith & Nephew but raises target price
7th Feb 2013 10:26
Investec has highlighted the strong end to the year seen at Smith & Nephew but has been forced to downgrade its rating for the stock with the expected total return (ETR) now under 10 per cent. "Smith & Nephew has delivered a strong set of Q4's with EPSA [earnings per share (adjusted)] coming in alm
Read moreLondon open: Markets cautious ahead of policy decisions
7th Feb 2013 08:42
The FTSE 100 index opened slightly higher on Thursday morning, helped by some decent gains by Vodafone, TUI Travel and Compass, but trade was cautious ahead of the monthly policy meetings at the Bank of England (BoE) and European Central Bank (ECB). The BoE decision is expected at midday, with fore
Read moreSmith & Nephew hikes divi after beating forecasts in Q4
7th Feb 2013 07:23
Medical technology group Smith & Nephew has raised its dividend by a half after a strong finish to 2012, which saw the company beat forecasts for both revenue and profit in the fourth quarter. The board recommended a 50% increase in the final dividend to 16.2 cents per share, "reflecting our confid
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