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London midday: Stocks stay up, sterling slips as BoE split over rates
London stocks were still a little higher by midday on Thursday after the Bank of England kept interest rates on hold but with two dissenters, as investors waded through an avalanche of corporate news and welcomed signs of progress in US-China trade relations.
Provident Financial hails good new customer momentum
Provident Financial on Thursday said third quarter results were in line with expectations as it reported "good momentum" in new customer volumes.
CMA flags FirstGroup involvement in West Coast franchise
The Competition and Markets Authority waded into the awarding of the West Coast rail franchise on Thursday, raising concerns on 21 routes in the north of England and Scotland.
Tate & Lyle profit jumps 45% in first half
Tate & Lyle reported a 45% jump in first-half profit on Thursday as revenue ticked higher, with the food and beverage solutions division putting in a solid performance.
Halfords stays in line in first half, acquires McConechy's Tyre Service
Motoring and cycling products retailer Halfords Group said its first half profit was in line with its expectations on Thursday, adding that growth from strategic investment, gross margin improvements and tight cost control had partially mitigated a “challenging” retail backdrop and tough weather comparators year-on-year.
The Works tumbles on profit warning
Shares of The Works tumbled on Thursday as the retailer warned on profits amid a "challenging" consumer environment.
3i Infrastructure performing in line as it diversifies portfolio
Infrastructure investment company 3i Infrastructure reported continued outperformance of its objectives in its half-year results on Thursday, adding that it was on track to deliver an increased 2020 financial year dividend of 9. 2p per share.
HICL Infrastructure sells two UK PPP projects for £52m
British investment company HICL Infrastructure said it was selling its interests in two UK public-private partnership projects for £52m.
McCarthy & Stone revenue strong amid tougher market
Retirement property developer McCarthy & Stone updated the market on its trading for the 14 month financial year ended 31 October on Thursday, reporting that full-year revenue was expected to be around £720m, up from £672m year-on-year.
Superdry revenue slumps in H1 but gross margin improves
Fashion brand Superdry posted an 11% fall in first-half sales on Thursday, saying the drop reflects an "expected year of reset".
Derwent London reports solid pre-letting progress
Derwent London reported further strong letting progress in its third quarter update on Thursday, with lettings for the year-to-date totalling £33. 5m on 486,600 square feet, which was on average 7. 0% above December’s estimated rental value.
Bank of Georgia profits climb amid digital overhaul
Bank of Georgia (BoG) on Thursday reported a jump in third quarter profits, while income climbed as the company invested in digital development.
German industrial output falls more than expected in September
German industrial production fell more than expected in September, adding to worries about a recession, according to figures released by Destatis on Thursday.
Inchcape reaffirms guidance; snaps up Mercedes distributor
Inchcape on Thursday reiterated full year guidance as it reported third quarter revenue growth, driven by improvement at its core distribution business.
Wood Group earnings outlook remains 'broadly' in line with consensus
Scottish energy services company John Wood Group confirmed on Thursday that its full-year underlying earnings outlook remained broadly in line with consensus, despite the impact of a slowing macro environment.
Senior launches restructuring amid challenges in aerospace and Flexonics
Senior announced a restructuring programme on Thursday amid difficulties in its Flexonics and aerospace markets.
G4S Q3 revenue up; looking at options on cash business
G4S on Thursday reported 4. 3% growth in third quarter organic and said it was looking at unsolicited approaches for its cash solutions business as an alternative to a planned demerger.
Aston Martin swings to third-quarter loss in 'tough' trading conditions
Luxury car maker Aston Martin Lagonda said on Thursday that it swung to a third-quarter loss amid "tough" trading conditions but that it still expects to meet market expectations for the year.
London open: Stocks edge up amid deluge of corporate news
London stocks edged higher in early trade on Thursday amid renewed optimism over a US-China trade deal, as investors waded through an avalanche of corporate releases and eyed the latest policy announcement from the Bank of England.
Howden joinery revenues up in 'robust' performance
Howden Joinery reported a rise in revenue for the period from 16 June 2019 to 2 November 2019 in what it called a “robust” performance against a strong comparator last year.