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Marks & Spencer sales improve as Norman accelerates restructuring
Marks & Spencer reported stronger first-half profits than expected and outlined some material shifts in the pace and direction of its five-year restructuring plan, although this will be without chief finance officer Helen Weir who has stepped down.
OneSavings Bank posts loan book growth, ups forecast
OneSavings Bank reported 17% growth in its loan book for the first nine months of the year, driven primarily by its buy-to-let activities, as it bumped up its loan book growth forecast.
Mondi boosted by Morgan Stanley upgrade to 'overweight'
Paper and packaging group Mondi got a boost on Wednesday as Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to ‘overweight’ from ‘equalweight’ and lifted the price target to 2,200p from 2,000p.
Tullow Oil ups production, cash targets after refinancing talks begin
Tullow Oil increased its production and cash targets and cut spending guidance for the full year after an eventful third quarter that has allowed it to proceed on development plans in Ghana and begin re-financing its sizable debt pile.
SSE earnings fall, plans merger of retail arm with npower
Energy generator and retailer SSE performed in line with its recently-published expectations in its first half, it reported on Wednesday, with adjusted earnings per share falling 8. 8% to 31. 2p and adjusted operating profit falling 8% to £586. 2m.
London open: Stocks edge higher as pound slips; M&S, SSE in the black
London stocks edged higher in early trade on Wednesday, helped along by a weaker pound and some well-received releases from the likes of Marks & Spencer and SSE.
Esure lifts guidance after record third quarter
Esure has lifted its guidance for the full year following a record third quarter thanks to a strong performance in the motor division.
Persimmon reports strong demand in third quarter
Persimmon said demand for its properties remained strong in the third quarter as the housebuilder benefited from the government's Help to Buy programme.
Wizz Air lifts FY profit guidance after record first half
Low-cost Hungarian airline Wizz Air said on Wednesday that it was lifting its profit outlook following record first-half results, with “robust” trading across all of the group’s markets.
Workspace interim profit, net rental income jump amid good demand
Workspace posted a jump in interim pre-tax profit and net rental income on Wednesday amid good customer demand.
London pre-open: Stocks to edge lower as investors mull China data; M&S in focus
London stocks were set to edge lower at the open on Wednesday as investors digested the latest trade figures from China.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Household finances, Sky News, Hobbs
MPs have launched a formal inquiry into household finances, as personal debt hits levels unseen since the financial crisis. The Treasury select committee will examine the debt levels of UK households as well as whether consumers are saving adequately as Britain leaves the European Union. Problem debt and the treatment of low income families by banks will also form part of the inquiry. - Guardian.
US close: Markets mixed as tax reform timetable confuses
Wall Street finished on a mixed note on Tuesday, amid conflicting reports on the likely timing and exact content of any White House tax reform proposal ahead of the anticipated Senate proposal later this week or early during the next one.