London close: US sparks Footsie recovery
26th May 2009 16:29
Footsie finished higher Tuesday after a strong performance by US shares, lifted by consumer confidence figures, hauled London's leading share index out of the red. The mining sector summed up the volatility seen on the markets today. Rio Tinto climbed after it said it had agreed a 33% cut in contra
Read moreLondon afternoon: Defensive stocks back in favour
26th May 2009 14:42
Hopes that Wall Street might provide a fillip to UK shares have been dashed as US markets open in a similarly dull fashion to London. Mining stocks and financials are the worst performers while defensive sectors such as tobaccos and supermarkets have returned to favour. Mining giant Rio Tinto is lo
Read moreSector movers: Tesco climbs after giving workers shares
26th May 2009 12:08
Food retailers are going well including Tesco, which is distributing £98m in shares among its workers. The details emerged as the group published its 2008/2009 annual report, which also revealed that top bosses picked up £22.2m in salary and bonuses. More than 200,000 workers - from checkout staff
Read moreLondon midday: Equities drift lower
26th May 2009 12:07
It was a dull morning session for London's leading shares, with the market following Asian markets lower after the news broke concerning North Korea's nuclear bomb test. Mining stocks and financials are the worst performers. Mining giant Rio Tinto is lower after it agreed a 33% cut in contract fin
Read moreTesco employees to share £98m bonus pot
26th May 2009 11:11
Tesco employees are to share a bonus pot worth £98m after the supermarket retailer announced record annual results last month. The details emerged as the group published its 2008/2009 annual report, which also revealed that top bosses picked up £22.2m in salary and bonuses. More than 200,000 wor
Read moreBroker snap: M&S too focused on promotions
15th May 2009 10:35
With Marks & Spencer still undecided on the identity of its new chief executive officer, Investec has weighed in with some hard hitting advice for the new boss, whoever it may be. The broker has set out its own five-point plan to revive the fortunes of the High Street giant which, it claims, is too
Read moreDevro non-exec takes a meaty stake
13th May 2009 17:07
Stuart Paterson, a non-executive director at Devro has beefed up his holding in the sausage skin manufacturer, soon after the company issued a bullish trading update. He bought 20,000 shares at 91.8p a time, and now has 50,000. Last week Devro said that it has performed in line with expectations s
Read moreLondon close: Banks hold back Footsie
12th May 2009 16:28
There was no shortage of company news to give Footsie direction but the index ended the day little changed as downbeat banks offset well-received updates. Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Barclayseased after Credit Suisse suggested the margins of UK banks will come under pressure.
Read moreLondon afternoon: Back in the blue
12th May 2009 14:11
In keeping with the day's topsy-turvy theme, the Footsie is back in positive territory, despite the weakness of banks and miners. Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays are all easier after Credit Suisse suggested the margins of UK banks will come under pressure. In the mining
Read moreLondon midday: Banks lower on margin worries
12th May 2009 12:13
The market had an indecisive morning, with yesterday's decline after four successive days of gains giving investors pause for thought. Banking is the weakest sector after a cautious review of UK banks by Credit Suisse. The Swiss bank has cut its ratings on Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland, with
Read moreGrow your own fruit & veg sales soar at Dobbies
11th May 2009 15:20
Further confirmation of Britain's determination to dig its way out of recession has come in the form of record sales at Dobbies, the garden centre chain bought by Tesco last year. The gardening chain, which has 24 stores in Scotland and England, reported record annual sales of its "grow your own" r
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