Energy market investigation by CMA calls for tariff caps to prevent overcharging
7th Jul 2015 07:45
An energy market investigation by the UK competition authority has criticised power companies for charging customers "too much for their energy bills" and proposed several measures to prevent this, including capping some tariffs. The Competition and Markets Authority has called for changes to the wa
Read moreSunday newspaper round-up: Energy and financial regulators, Sainsbury's and Supergroup
5th Jul 2015 16:03
The Big Six energy firms are expected to escape demands for a major break-up when the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) this week announces the results of its lengthy review into competition in the industry. The competition regulator is expected to say that the vertical integration structure u
Read moreNo need for break-up of Big Six, competition watchdog expected to say
5th Jul 2015 12:46
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is expected to this week say it will not force the Big Six energy firms to break-up. The CMA is expected to say that the vertical integration structure under which the Big Six operate does not result in higher prices. Presenting its provisional recommenda
Read moreSSE names Barclays' Crawford Gillies as senior independent director
29th Jun 2015 11:11
Energy giant SSE has appointed Crawford Gillies as its new non-executive director and senior independent director, the FTSE 100 group said on Monday. Gillies, who is currently a non-executive director of Barclays and Standard Life will take up his appointment on 1 August, SSE said. "He has extensiv
Read moreOfgem to force energy suppliers to increase tariff transparency
3rd Jun 2015 12:03
UK energy suppliers will this year begin to be forced by regulator Ofcom to tell customers about cheaper tariffs, even if they are sold via a different company. Energy regulator Ofgem on Wednesday published its final decision on how suppliers who sell energy via 'white label' resellers. Under curre
Read moreSunday newspaper round-up: Vodafone, National Grid, bank legal claims
24th May 2015 16:21
Several of Vodafone's major shareholders have urged the telecoms giant to pursue a merger with US-based Virgin Media owner Liberty Global and offload some of its overseas businesses. After Liberty's owner, US billionaire John Malone, dropped heavy hints about a potential deal, the Sunday Telegraph r
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Miners higher, Hargreaves Lansdown surges on record inflows
21st May 2015 13:19
London stocks inched higher on Wednesday, buoyed by stronger than expected retail sales and strong performances from mining, telecommunications and pharmaceutical stocks. At 14:30 BST, the FTSE 100 was trading 4 points higher at 7,011. Mining stocks, including Fresnillo, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto,
Read moreLondon close: Vodafone, banks lead markets higher but Greek concerns weigh
20th May 2015 16:59
Decent gains from blue chips Vodafone, Barclays and RBS gave UK stock markets a lift on Wednesday, with the Footsie settling above the 7,000 level for the first time in seven sessions. The FTSE 100 finished 12.16 points higher (+0.17%) at 7,007.26, a level it has not closed above since 11 May. Howe
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Vodafone surges on merger speculation, miners rebound
20th May 2015 12:56
London stocks were trading slightly higher on Wednesday as strong performances from mining and telecommunications stocks outweighed weakness in the insurance and real estate sectors. As of 2:30 GMT, the FTSE 100 was trading 6.2 points higher at 7,0001. Vodafone led the risers, rebounding after Tues
Read moreLondon open: FTSE flat as blue chip earnings underwhelm, Vodafone rises on merger talk
20th May 2015 08:19
UK stocks edged higher on Wednesday morning though a raft of disappointing blue-chip earnings limited upside for the FTSE 100. The Footsie was up just 0.02% at 6,996.36 early on with Vodafone leading the way on the back of speculation surrounding a Liberty Global merger. However, results and update
Read moreSSE lifts dividend 2% but warns cover will fall due to "uncertainties"
20th May 2015 07:55
Profits and earnings crawled slightly higher at SSE in the full year as the utility company increased its dividend in line RPI inflation, but it warned dividend cover would fall due to the pressure of "significant uncertainties" on earnings. Revenue rose 3.5% to £31.65bn, with adjusted profit before
Read moreLondon midday: Stocks power ahead as market cheers surprise Tory election win
8th May 2015 11:23
London stocks posted healthy gains on Friday as investors welcomed news that Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative party is on track for a second term in power. The FTSE 100 was up 1.7% at 7,004.23 by midday, with banks, utility stocks and housebuilders pacing the advance. Lloyds Banking Grou
Read moreConservative victory in UK election will provide relief to utilities, says SocGen
8th May 2015 09:23
Utility stocks surged on Friday, with the threat of any energy price cap by the Labour party falling away as the Conservatives looked set for a surprise UK election win. Given that opinion polls had suggested a broadly 50/50 probability of either a Conservative or Labour government, concerns regardi
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Anglo American, utility stocks surge
23rd Apr 2015 13:30
Anglo American, owner of jeweler De Beers, surged on Thursday as the mining giant cut its forecast for annual diamond production in order to avoid overproduction in the weaker diamond market. United Utilities, SSE and Centrica was making gains as investors sought refuge in defensive utility stocks.
Read moreLondon close: Resource and utility stocks drag markets lower, data comes in weak
13th Mar 2015 16:45
UK stocks bounced off their lowest levels of the day by the close but still ended in the red as falling mining, energy and utility shares provided a drag. After touching a low of 6,713.50, London's FTSE 100 finished down 20.49 points (-0.3%) at 6,740.58, ending the week down 2.5%. Brent crude was t
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