London close: Market jumps 125 points
2nd Dec 2010 16:33
Blue chips staged an impressive late rally to finish more than 100 points higher for the second day running. There was no big bond repurchase programme today from the European Central Bank, but a decision to extend the current one for three months was enough to get buyers in a lather again. "We ex
Read moreLondon afternoon: ECB inaction deflates market
2nd Dec 2010 14:28
The absence of any mention of plans to launch a bond purchase in the European Central Bank (ECB) press conference this afternoon has taken some of the glow off equities. "We expect the governments to follow what they are committed to, they all have their adjustment and stabilisation programmes," E
Read moreLondon midday: Shares stay strong as updates impress
2nd Dec 2010 12:02
Company announcements have mostly been well-received today, helping to keep the leading share index in positive territory. All eyes will be on European Central Bank President (ECB) Jean-Claude Trichet at this afternoon's press conference following the interest rate decision for the eurozone, which
Read moreLondon open: More gains for FTSE 100
2nd Dec 2010 08:25
Shares have got off to a good start as traders continue to hope for action on the eurozone debt crisis. All eyes will be on European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet at this afternoon's press conference following the interest rate decision for the eurozone. Company updates have also bee
Read moreThursday tips round-up: Sage, BG, Thomas Cook
2nd Dec 2010 06:32
There are definite signs that the market may be running out of patience with Sage Group. The company, one of our most established software groups, has paid a dividend since its 1989 stock market float. But the emphasis in recent years has been on acquisitions to add to a pedestrian rate of growth, a
Read moreLondon close: Triple digit gains for FTSE 100
1st Dec 2010 16:56
Footsie was posting triple-digit gains at trading's close as markets across the globe roared in approval at talk that the European Central Bank may take more measures to deal with the debt crisis. Shares here got an extra boost from news that activity in the manufacturing sector hit levels not seen
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie jumps 120 points
1st Dec 2010 14:17
After a strong morning session leading shares kicked on some more over the lunch time period, as worries over the eurozone debt situation subside. Talk that the European Central Bank may take more measures to deal with the debt crisis has buoyed European markets, with banks bouncing back more than
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Thomas Cook under a cloud
1st Dec 2010 13:54
Shares in Thomas Cook fell back after the holiday firm said winter bookings are going well after a year in which profits were blighted by the volcanic ash cloud in April. Adjusted underlying profit before tax in the year to 30 September was in line with market expectations at £277.0m, down 6.1% fro
Read moreLondon midday: Shares keep climbing
1st Dec 2010 12:04
The leading share index looks to be heading towards triple-digit gains now as worries over the eurozone debt situation subside. Strong economic data and well-received company news here is also helping. Talk that the European Central Bank may take more measures to deal with the debt crisis has buoye
Read moreLondon open: Bright start for blue chips
1st Dec 2010 08:31
London has shrugged off yesterday's dull showing on Wall Street and is posting decent gains in the first hour. Prudential is leading the way after chief executive Tidjane Thiam made Asia the cornerstone of a plan to drive the life insurance group's profits strongly forward over the next two years.
Read moreLondon pre-open: Stocks set to open higher
1st Dec 2010 07:35
Undeterred by a soft showing on Wall Street last night UK stocks are set to open higher, with the Footsie expected to open up some 37 points firmer. Sage, the blue chip accountancy software firm, has posted a 14% increase in full-year underlying pre-tax profit thanks to the cost-cutting drive, most
Read moreThomas Cook counts the cost of ash cloud
1st Dec 2010 07:10
Holiday firm Thomas Cook said winter bookings are going well after a year in which profits were blighted by the volcanic ash cloud in April. Adjusted underlying profit before tax in the year to 30 September was in line with market expectations at £277.0m, down 6.1% from £294.9m the year before. T
Read moreWednesday preview: Thomas Cook, Sage, Manufacturing
30th Nov 2010 17:01
Business software giant Sage Group and travel company Thomas Cook provide the company focus midweek. With the cold weather truly upon us the market may well be in just the mood to get its teeth into a trading update from holiday firm Thomas Cook . The company recently announced its long awaited mo
Read moreWeek Ahead: Thomas Cook, TUI Travel, Aberdeen Asset
26th Nov 2010 12:42
With the UK apparently set for a spell of cold weather next week the market may well be in just the mood to get its teeth into trading updates from holiday firms Thomas Cook and TUI Travel. Thomas Cook recently announced its long awaited move into the Russian market while interest on TUI Travel has
Read moreLondon close: Strong gains near the close
25th Nov 2010 16:48
Footsie closed the day healthily in the blue as investors got excited about shopping centre owners and other property groups. Capital Shopping Centres Group (CSC), the shopping centre arm of what used to be Liberty International, raced ahead after it put pen to paper to purchase Manchester's Traffo
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