Latest News
FTSE 100 movers: Reckitt rallies on new appointment; BAT declines
London's FTSE 100 was down 0. 4% at 7,368. 96 in afternoon trade on Wednesday amid renewed worries about Sino-US trade relations.
Shell will have to prove ability to preserve returns, Jefferies says
Analysts at Jefferies nudged their target price for Royal Dutch Shell's A shares higher, from 3,000p to 3,050p, telling clients that the company would have to demonstrate its ability to preserve returns even as it invests in its low-carbon businesses, even as they labeled the potential for shareholder returns "compelling".
Peel Hunt upgrades Serco, says NSBU acquisition 'very good fit'
Peel Hunt upgraded its stance on Serco shares to 'add' from 'hold' on Wednesday, lifting the price target to 146p from 129p as it highlighted the company's "strategically attractive" acquisition of leading US navy service provider NSBU.
UK unprepared for Oct 31 no-deal Brexit - report
Britain was still seriously under-prepared for a no-deal Brexit on October 31, according to a leaked Cabinet document published on Wednesday.
Just Group appoints Andy Parsons as CFO
Retirement products specialist Just Group has appointed Andy Parsons - who has been group finance director at LV= since June 2017 - as its new chief financial officer.
Johnson warns Brexit delays open door for Labour govt
Boris Johnson started his Conservative leadership campaign on Wednesday with a warning that delaying Brexit beyond October 31 would result in the defeat of the government.
WPP reiterates guidance, says Kantar sale progressing as expected
WPP reiterated its financial guidance for 2019 and for the medium-term and told investors that the sale of a majority stake in its Kantar unit was progressing in line with the company's expectations.
Future of Philip Green's Arcadia in balance as landlords vote on deal
The future of Philip Green’s Arcadia retail empire and 18,000 workers lay in the hands of landlords set to vote on a rescue package for the struggling group.
Elektron Technology profits leap after 'exceptional' year
Elektron Technology on Wednesday reported a leap in annual profits after a double-digit revenue increase in its unaudited preliminary results following growth at all three of its businesses.
Wednesday broker round-up
Provident Financial: Canaccord downgrades to sell with a target price of 430p.
Europe midday: Stocks mired in the red amid US-China trade stand-off
Stocks markets on the Continent remain mired in the red amid the ongoing trade stand-off between the US and China.
UK government commits to net zero carbon emissions by 2050
The UK has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and will become the first G7 country to legislate the proposal.
HSBC starts Fevertree at 'buy', takes a look at mid-cap soft drinks stocks
HSBC initiated coverage of Fevertree, Britvic, Nichols and AG Barr on Wednesday as it took a look at the mid-cap soft drinks market.
Asia report: Markets drop as Trump talks China and protesters rock Hong Kong
Asian markets were broadly lower on Wednesday as protesters stormed the streets of Hong Kong and Donald Trump said he had "no interest" in a trade deal with China unless Beijing agrees to the terms that it had previously accepted.
Reckitt Benckiser chooses outsider as next CEO, taking break-up off the table
Reckitt Benckiser chose an outsider, PepsiCo executive Laxman Narasimhan, to replace Rakesh Kapoor as chief executive officer, a potential signal that a break-up of the company was now off the cards, according to some analysts.
Park Group posts dip in full-year profits, focus on digital investments
Park Group saw a small reduction in full-year sales and profits but sounded an upbeat note on the outlook on the back of the company's heavy investments in technology and new products, which prompted it to raise its dividend payout.
Lidl ramps up London expansion with £500m investment
German discounter Lidl has unveiled a £500m investment plan for London, as it looks to ramp up its foothold in the capital and heap further pressure on larger rivals.
US pre-open: Futures point to more losses as Washington hardens stance on trade talks
Stock futures were pointing to another dour session on the Street after the White House hardened up in its trade talks with China.
London midday: Stocks extend losses as sterling pops higher
London stocks had fallen further into the red by midday on Wednesday amid renewed worries about trade relations between the US and China, while sterling popped higher.
Trump urges China to adhere to already agreed terms on trade or risk more tariffs
President Donald Trump said that China must adhere to the terms of the trade deal that it had agreed to earlier in 2019 or risk a no-deal and higher tariffs.