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Halfords warns on profits but commits to keeping some stores open
Halfords, the cycle and car parts retailer, has warned that trading will be "severely impacted" by the coronavirus outbreak, with full-year profits likely to come in below forecasts and the dividend suspended.
UK house prices fall in January
House prices fell in January amid political uncertainty but the Covid-19 crisis has now replaced Brexit as the main driver of activity in the property market.
DFS cancels dividend, execs to take pay cut amid shutdown
Sofa and furniture retailer DFS has temporarily closed all of its showrooms, manufacturing and distribution operations in the UK, Ireland and Spain, it said on Wednesday, as it announced the suspension of its interim dividend and said senior leaders will take a pay cut amid the shutdown.
Diploma warns of coronavirus hit to first-half numbers
Diploma, the technical products specialist, warned on Wednesday that market conditions had changed rapidly in recent weeks following the coronavirus outbreak, weighing on first-half numbers.
Facilities will remain open, Hilton Food confirms
All of Hilton Food Group’s facilities will remain fully functional during the coronavirus outbreak, the international packaging specialist confirmed on Wednesday, as it delayed publication of its full-year results.
Vivo Energy to pay dividend but pulls guidance
Fuel distributor Vivo Energy said it still intended to pay a full year dividend but pulled its guidance due to the coronavirus, the company said on Wednesday.
Countryside Properties withdraws guidance, suspends dividend
Countryside Properties withdrew its guidance for the current financial year and suspended its dividend on Wednesday due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Hammerson cuts pay for board and top managers
Hammerson has cancelled pay increases for its board to take account of crisis conditions caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
St. Modwen adjourns AGM and divi decision as it tightens belt for Covid
St. Modwen Properties announced the adjournment of its annual general meeting, and the 5. 1p per share final dividend, as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday.
German business sentiment hits lowest level since 2009
German business sentiment saw its worst deterioration in March since the country’s reunification in 1990, according to a widely-followed survey released on Wednesday.
Meggitt chairman Rudd to stay on during crisis
Meggitt has put its search for a new chairman on hold and is keeping incumbent Nigel Rudd in place during the coronavirus crisis.
US agrees $2tn stimulus in response to Covid-19
US lawmakers have agreed a $2tn package of fiscal measures to support American households and businesses hit by the coronavirus crisis.
DCC buys Minnesota-based Amerilab for $85m
Sales, marketing and support services group, DCC, has bought Minnesota-based Amerilab for $85m (£72m).
London open: Stocks rise on US stimulus package
London stocks rose in early trade on Wednesday as investors cheered news that White House and Senate leaders have agreed a $2 trillion package to help prop up the US economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inflation eases in early sign of downward pressure
Inflation edged down to 1. 7% in February in a harbinger of extreme downward pressure on prices caused by the Covid-19 crisis.
Centamin says 'no material disruption' from Covid-19 so far
Centamin said on Wednesday that it has experienced "no material disruption" to operations, supply chain or gold shipments so far.
SSP cuts jobs, cancels divi, seeks cash from banks, govt
Airport food concession operator SSP cancelled its interim dividend, cut jobs and said it was in advanced talks with the UK government on a financial support package as European revenues slumped by 80% due to the coronavirus.
Unite Group announces cost savings, cancels dividend
Unite Group updated the market on the potential impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on its business on Wednesday, and the measures it was taking to mitigate the resulting risks.
Morgan Sindall warns on profit, withdraws guidance due to Covid-19
Construction and regeneration company Morgan Sindall withdrew its guidance and warned on profits on Wednesday as it said the Covid-19 outbreak was disrupting operations.
Avon Rubber wins US defence contract worth at least $19m
Avon Rubber announced a competitively-awarded firm fixed price contract to supply the United States Defense Logistics Agency with ‘enhanced small arms protective inserts’ (ESAPI) body armour plates on Wednesday.