FTSE 100 movers: Financial dividend payers head decline
16th Mar 2011 13:11
Financials are heading the fallers in the Footsie today. The two biggest fallers in the FTSE 100 index have gone ex-dividend. HSBC has fallen by more than double its dividend of 7.66p a share. Standard Life has not declined quite as much as its final dividend payment of 8.65p a share. HSBC and S
Read moreLondon midday: Market remains in the red
16th Mar 2011 11:50
The decline in the FTSE 100 appears to have bottomed out although there are continuing worries over the post-earthquake situation in Japan. A fire at the plant's fourth reactor sent radiation levels soaring and forced what few workers are left battling the potential disaster to retreat. Japan's Emp
Read moreBroker snap: Tullow shares look cheap after Uganda deal
16th Mar 2011 11:46
With the political dispute in Uganda now settled, UBS believes a significant overhang on the Tullow Oil's shares has now been lifted and raises its target price for the stock. The oil exploration and production company announced yesterday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
Read moreTullow comes to agreement with Ugandan government
15th Mar 2011 18:30
Tullow Oil has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uganda that brings to an end the conflict over taxation. A new government was elected in Uganda around one month ago. The agreement will enable Tullow, CNOOC and Total to proceed with the development of their Ugandan
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: BP's ethanol buy
11th Mar 2011 12:49
BP is lower after it announced the $680m (£421m) acquisition of a Brazilian ethanol producer. BP has moved to improve its green credentials with the purchase of Companhia Nacional de Açúcar e Álcool (CNAA). The acquisition is the oil giant's biggest ever in the alternative energy sector. Insurer P
Read moreThursday tips round-up: Prudential, Tullow, Restaurant Group
10th Mar 2011 06:26
When Tidjane Thiam faced shareholders at Prudential's annual meeting last June, few would have wagered on him still being the company's chief executive nine months later, as resentment over the company's failed $35.5bn (£21.8bn) deal for AIA intensified. Mr Thiam seemed focused on the future yesterd
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Ex-dividend declines fuel index fall
9th Mar 2011 15:26
Shares going ex-dividend dominate the fallers in the Footsie today. British American Tobacco is the biggest faller but the share price has declined by slightly less than the 81p a share final dividend. Standard Chartered has fallen by more than its 29.8p a share dividend. Miner BHP Billiton has
Read moreLondon afternoon: Downward drift continues
9th Mar 2011 14:16
Blue-chip shares drifted lower still over the lunchtime session though a number of bright spots can be found, particularly among second liners. Insurer Prudential is in demand after saying it made 20% more in 2010 than it did the year before as Asia raced ahead of the US as the UK company's bigges
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE 100 seeking direction
9th Mar 2011 12:02
Shares are moving in both directions after updates, but the FTSE 100 sits a few points lower. Insurer Prudential is in demand after saying it made 20% more in 2010 than it did the year before as Asia raced ahead of the US as the UK company's biggest earner. Group operating profit before tax on a Eu
Read moreLondon open: Early falls despite Pru show of strength
9th Mar 2011 08:43
London has slipped lower in early dealings, despite good numbers from Prudential and a strong performance on Wall Street overnight as oil prices fell back. Insurer Prudential made 20% more in 2010 than it did the year before as Asia raced ahead of the US as the UK company's biggest earner. Group o
Read moreLondon pre-open: Waiting on the Pru
9th Mar 2011 07:38
The blue-chip index is expected to open barely changed, though things may change when insurance giant Prudential releases results later this morning. Africa-focused oil company Tullow Oil ramped up profits in 2010, broadly in line with City expectations, as oil prices jumped by almost a third. Prof
Read moreTullow profits swell on higher oil price
9th Mar 2011 07:09
Africa-focused oil company Tullow Oil ramped up profits in 2010, broadly in line with City expectations, as oil prices jumped by almost a third. Profit before tax soared to $152m from $33m in 2009 and rose 137% to $73m after taxes. Sales revenue was 19% better at $1.09bn. Production fell 200,000 b
Read moreLondon close: Shares soar on Libya deal hopes
3rd Mar 2011 16:39
Reports that the Libyan situation might be resolved through mediation rather than violence sent UK shares sharply higher. The Arab League is said to be considering a proposal to end the fighting in Libya sending oil prices higher. Heavy oil users such as airline International Consolidated Airlines
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie cruises towards 6,000
3rd Mar 2011 14:13
Footsie has 6,000 within its sights once more as stocks bounce back strongly on hopes that the Libyan situation might be resolved. Reports that the Arab League is considering a proposal to end the fighting in Libya have boosted sentiment, and has sent the price of oil into reverse. Heavy oil users
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Amec remains confident
3rd Mar 2011 13:02
Footsie is dominated by risers today with two engineering companies the biggest gainers. Amec is the best performer after it said that it can expect to grow regardless of the pace of economic recovery. Pre-tax profits in 2010 soared to £258.2m from £203.5m the previous year as revenues grew to £2.
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