Japan quake could mean higher energy prices for UK
14th Mar 2011 10:06
Friday's devastating earthquake and a second explosion at Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant may send global gas and electricity prices higher. Analysts at broker Matrix warn that Japan may lose at least 5% of its generation capacity permanently. This will be made up by gas fired power, requi
Read moreSector movers: Anglo American leads miners lower
18th Feb 2011 15:01
The mining sector is being weighed lower by blue chip Anglo American which is losing nearly 3%. The group is in the red despite reporting that underlying earnings leapt to $4.98bn last year from $2.57bn in 2009 on revenue up 34% to $32.93bn. It's also agreed a 50:50 joint venture with Lafarge to
Read moreMonday newspaper round-up: Energy groups, Retail sales, RBS...
7th Feb 2011 06:42
The big six energy companies could be driven from Britain if they are treated too harshly in any pricing investigation, a senior minister has told The Times. In an intervention likely to put pressure on regulators, Charles Hendry said that suppliers might be too important to future energy security
Read moreGas bills surge despite less usage
2nd Feb 2011 12:58
UK gas bills have soared by more than 50% over the past five years despite British households using 17% less gas, new research has found. The research, carried out by think tank Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), found households now use 16,000 kilowatt hours per year, compared to 2
Read moreLondon close: FTSE 100 soars as Egypt worries ease
1st Feb 2011 16:51
Well-received company updates, strong economic figures here and elsewhere and an easing of worries related to the situation in Egypt helped UK shares to strong gains. Miners led the advance, after strong growth in manufacturing in commodity hungry China in January. The UK, eurozone and US also had
Read moreLondon afternoon: Miners and techs in demand
1st Feb 2011 14:15
Shares added to the morning's gains over the lunchtime session, buoyed by the prospect of a firm start on Wall Street. Miners lead the advance, after strong growth in Chinese manufacturing in January, though technology stocks are also in demand. Mining giant Xstrata produced more coking coal, sem
Read moreSSE on track
1st Feb 2011 07:29
Energy provider Scottish And Southern Energy (SSE) remains on course to deliver its stated financial and operational goals for the current financial year. However, the company said that the Generation and Supply division's operating profit for the current financial year is expected to be slightly l
Read moreLondon close: Company updates drive FTSE 100 higher
26th Jan 2011 16:47
Shares closed with decent gains though off their earlier highs, as well-received company updates helped drive the FTSE 100 forward in line with other markets. BG Group was strong after yet another discovery in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. The latest strike is at Carioca North-East, located in
Read moreLondon afternoon: Stocks stay strong
26th Jan 2011 15:41
Shares have maintained their earlier buoyancy after a decent start on Wall Street. Company updates have been well-received here. BG Group is going strong after yet another discovery in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. The latest strike is at Carioca North-East, located in a water depth of 2,151m,
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Another discovery for BG
26th Jan 2011 12:47
BG Group has been boosted by yet another discovery in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. The latest strike is at Carioca North-East, located in a water depth of 2,151m, approximately 275km off the coast of São Paulo state. BG has a 30% stake. Mining companies are rising again today. Anglo American
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE 100 back above 6,000
26th Jan 2011 12:18
The top share index has moved past the 6,000 point mark again as company updates impress the market. BG Group is going strong after yet another discovery in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. The latest strike is at Carioca North-East, located in a water depth of 2,151m, approximately 275km off the
Read moreLondon open: Bright start for blue chips
26th Jan 2011 08:52
London has made good ground this morning after a late rally on Wall Street sparked by a stronger than expected US consumer confidence report. BG Group is the best performer after yet another discovery in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. The latest strike is at Carioca North-East, located in a wate
Read moreE.On ups electricity and gas prices
11th Jan 2011 12:04
Energy firm E.On is to raise electricity and gas prices next month, making EDF Energy the only one of the 'big six' energy suppliers not to have raised its tariffs this year. E.On will implement a 9% increase in electricity prices and a 3% rise in gas prices from 4 February. The new tariffs will me
Read moreLondon close: FTSE 100 shrugs off weather woes
20th Dec 2010 16:44
Shares held onto gains to close in positive territory despite the bad weather hitting travel and retail stocks. Snow-affected stocks such as British Airways and many of the major retailers fell. Arctic conditions are hurting retailers at their busiest and most crucial time of the year. Next, Marks
Read moreLondon afternoon: Shares stay buoyant despite weather hit
20th Dec 2010 15:25
Footsie is still hovering around 5,900 points following a mixed start on Wall Street. Snow-affected stocks such as British Airways and many of the major retailers have trimmed losses. Arctic conditions are hurting retailers at their busiest and most crucial time of the year. Next, Marks & Spencer,
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