Latest News
Asia report: Markets mixed as investors digest Xi speech
Markets in Asia closed in a mixed state on Wednesday, as investors digested a speech from Chinese president Xi Jinping, with shares in Apple suppliers closely monitored following the unveiling of the latest iPhone model.
JPMorgan slashes target price on Hammerson
Analysts at JPMorgan slashed their target price on real estate investment trust Hammerson from 185. 0p to 30. 0p on Wednesday, stating the group appeared to be "two to three years away" from pursuing its value-enhancing strategy.
Barratt sales rise on home buying surge
House builder Barratt said it continued to see strong demand for homes after the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures in June with an increase in its sales rate from July 1 to October 11.
STM Group Q4 new business wins impacted by Covid-19
Financial services provider STM Group warned on Wednesday that new business wins for the remainder of the year would likely fall short of prior expectations as Covid-19 continued to cause delays.
Pearson says trends 'improving' in third quarter
Pearson reported an “improving” trend in its third quarter on Wednesday, with a strong performance in its Global Online Learning; North American Courseware and Global Assessment businesses in line with expectations, while its International operations were further impacted by Covid-19.
Diamond sales at Anglo's De Beers rise in eighth cycle
Anglo American said on Tuesday that the value of rough diamond sales at its De Beers unit rose in the eighth cycle of 2020, amid an improvement in demand.
Ramsdens trades profitably in six months ended 30 September
Financial services provider Ramsdens Holdings said on Wednesday that it had traded profitably during the six months ended 30 September.
Europe open: Shares higher as investors weigh Brexit summit
European shares were higher at the opening on Wednesday as investors digested earnings in the US and the upcoming Brexit summit in Brussels.
International Personal Finance returns to profitability in Q3
Consumer credit provider International Personal Finance returned to profitability in the third quarter of 2020 on the back of "continued positive momentum" in its operational performance.
London open: Stocks rise as sterling drops on Brexit worries
London stocks rose in early trade on Wednesday, helped along by a weaker pound, despite ongoing concerns about the prospect of tighter lockdown restrictions.
EasyJet's new CFO set to join on 3 February
Low-cost airline EasyJet confirmed on Wednesday that chief financial officer designate Kenton Jarvis would take up the role on 3 February.
Ashmore grows AUM by $1.9bn in Q1
Asset manager Ashmore Group said on Wednesday that assets under management had increased by $1. 9bn in the three months ended 30 September.
Kainos sees FY profits 'significantly' ahead of forecasts
IT provider Kainos Group said on Wednesday that customer demand continued to be strong year-to-date, with the group now expecting full-year results to be "significantly ahead" of forecasts.
Hipgnosis buys L.A. Reid's music catalogue for undisclosed sum
Music rights investor Hipgnosis Songs Fund said it had bought the song catalogue of Grammy-award-winning songwriter and producer L. A. Reid, for an undisclosed sum.
Just Eat Takeaway delivers tasty rise in order growth
European food-ordering firm Just Eat Takeaway. com on Wednesday reported a 46% year-on-year rise in orders during the third quarter, driven by continuing coronavirus curbs.
Sales of Covid-related products underpin Q3 sales at Bunzl
Distribution and services group Bunzl reported a rise in third-quarter revenue on Wednesday thanks to the sale of Covid-19 related products, as it said second-half revenue is expected to grow strongly.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher despite ongoing lockdown concerns
London stocks were set to rise at the open on Wednesday despite ongoing concerns about tougher coronavirus restrictions and doubts about the prospect of more US stimulus.
Barratt says demand for homes 'strong', Pearson sales slide amid pandemic
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 31 points higher on Wednesday, having closed down 0. 53% on Tuesday, at 5,969. 71.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Odeon, HS2, Metro Bank
The parent company of Odeon has warned that the lack of new blockbusters fuelling record low movie-going could mean it will run out of cash as soon as the end of the year. Shares in US-listed AMC Theatres, the world’s largest operator of cinemas, plunged 12% in early trading as rattled investors reacted to a warning that it will need to raise a significant amount of cash to keep operating if the dire conditions persist. - Guardian.