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Europe open: Stocks rally as miners enjoy copper price surge
European stocks rallied strongly at the opening on Wednesday, as a commodity price boost for miners offset the tech sell-off on Wall Street overnight.
Apax Global Alpha turns in 'strong' first quarter performance
Apax Global Alpha reported a “strong” performance in its first quarter on Wednesday, with a total net asset value return of 10. 4%, or 6. 8% at constant currency.
JLEN Environmental Assets eyes placing of 54.7m shares in bookbuild
Investment trust JLEN Environmental Assets will look to undertake a placing of up to approximately 54. 7m new ordinary shares by way of a bookbuilding process.
Playtech signs new agreement with Holland Casino
Gambling software company Playtech said on Wednesday that it has signed a new, expanded long-term strategic software and services agreement with state-owned, land-based casino operator Holland Casino.
Boohoo profit surges but outlook weaker
Boohoo reported annual profit up by more than a third but the online fashion group said revenue growth would be weaker and returns would increase in the current year.
IP Group portfolio companies acquired by US firms
Intellectual property-based business investor IP Group said on Wednesday that two of its portfolio companies had been acquired by US-listed firms.
Hipgnosis snaps up catalogue of Grammy winning producer Andrew Wotman
Intellectual property investment firm Hipgnosis Songs Fund has acquired a music catalogue from Andrew Wotman, the recently awarded 2021 Grammy winner for Producer Of The Year.
Wizz Air April passenger numbers show signs of recovery
Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air reported an improvement in passenger numbers during April, showing signs of a recovery in the travel market from plunging demand in 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.
OSB Group holds guidance as loans rise in first quarter
Buy-to-let lender OSB Group maintained full-year guidance as loans and advances rose in the first three months of 2021.
Croda launches review of PTIC businesses
Croda International has announced a strategic review of its Performance Technologies and Industrial Chemicals (PTIC) businesses to establish what ownership structure best serves this part the business "to create a stronger platform for its future growth".
Direct Line reports lower premiums, subdued motor claims
Direct Line stuck to its full-year targets after premiums fell and motor claims were subdued in a first quarter affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.
Virgin Money more than doubles first-half profit, ITV 'cautiously optimistic' over ad revenue
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 42 points higher on Wednesday, having closed down 0. 67% on Tuesday.
Virgin Money doubles profits as impairment charges plunge
Virgin Money said first-half profit more than doubled as Covid-19 impairment charges tumbled and the bank signalled a cautiously optimistic outlook driven by Britain's Covid vaccination programme.
ITV 'cautiously optimistic' as ad revenue recovers
ITV said it was cautiously optimistic about the year ahead as advertising revenue recovered from the Covid-19 crisis.
London pre-open: Stocks to rise after Tuesday's losses
London stocks were set to rise at the open on Wednesday following a weak session a day earlier, after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said interest rates were likely to rise.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: AstraZeneca, tax avoidance, car industry
AstraZeneca is facing mounting opposition over its plans to award its chief executive, Pascal Soriot, a big increase in bonuses, with three investor advisory groups calling on shareholders to vote against the policy. Pirc, Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) have all flagged concerns over moves to raise the maximum share bonus Soriot can receive under a long-term plan from 550% of his £1. 3m base salary to 650%. AZ also plans to hoist Soriot’s maximum annual bonus to 250% of salary from 200%, depending on performance targets being hit.