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SSP outlook cautious as latest-week sales run at 50% of 2019
Food travel outlet owner SSP Group on Wednesday said sales in the latest week were half of pre-pandemic levels, as it remained cautious on the pace of the recovery.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Supply chain issues, Multiverse, easyJet
Britain’s supply chain strain could last until after Christmas, Boris Johnson has admitted as he urged motorists to stop panic-buying fuel by insisting supplies were “improving” – despite thousands of forecourts remaining dry. The prime minister intervened after being accused by Labour of “reducing the country to chaos” with car queues continuing to build up and fights breaking out at petrol stations, while teachers and hospital workers were left unable to get to work.
Asia report: Stocks weaker, Evergrande surges on bank stake sale
Stock markets in Asia were mainly in the red at the close on Wednesday, although embattled property development giant China Evergrande rocketed in Hong Kong after it said it was selling a $1. 5bn investment.
Peel Hunt makes AIM debut
Trading in Peel Hunt’s shares got underway on Wednesday following the investment bank’s debut on AIM.
Shares jump as Amigo looks to settle complaints
Shares in Amigo surged on Wednesday as the troubled subprime lender confirmed it had submitted a revised Scheme of Arrangement aimed at settling thousands of outstanding complaints.
UK households more pessimistic as living costs rise
UK households are feeling more downbeat about their finances, a survey showed on Wednesday, as a post-lockdown surge in confidence faded and living costs surged.
Evergrande raises $1.5bn after selling bank stake
China’s Evergrande is to sell part of its stake in Shengjing Bank for $1. 5bn, as the embattled firm looks to raise cash and paydown creditors.
US open: Stocks in the green following heavy losses in previous session
Wall Street trading began on a positive note on Wednesday following the S&P 500's worst session in four months.
Thursday preview: China PMI, Fed speakers
Financial markets' focus on Thursday will shift back towards Asia, where China's National Bureau of Statistics will publish the results of a closely-followed survey of manufacturing sector conditions in the country.
Europe close: Stocks stage modest bounce ahead of quarter's close
European shares put in a modest bounce on Wednesday, with both stocks and bonds finding a bid following the steep losses seen in the previous session.
Tritax Big Box to raise £300m in placing to accelerate development plan
Tritax Big Box REIT said on Wednesday that it plans to raise around £300m in a placing, subscription and retail offer to accelerate its development plan.
Playtech to sell Finalto to Gopher for $250m
Gambling software developer Playtech has agreed to sell its financial trading division, Finalto, to Gopher Investments for $250m in cash.
London close: Stocks firmer on penultimate day of Q3
London stocks finished in the green on Wednesday, underpinned by strong performances from the likes of Next and AstraZeneca.
Euro area economic confidence posts surprise increase in September
Euro area residents' confidence in the economy edged higher unexpectedly last month, the results of a closely-followed batch of surveys revealed.
Broker tips: Base Resources, Ferguson, Cranswick, Anglo American, BHP
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity raised their target price on mineral sands company Base Resources from 35. 0p to 50. 0p on Wednesday, citing its exposure to a suite of "underappreciated (but highly attractive) commodities" and a "strong" near-term dividend yield.
Security concerns arise at KEFI's Tulu Kapi project
Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia-focussed gold and copper exploration and development company KEFI announced on Wednesday that, during preparations for the expected October launch of the development phase of its Tulu Kapi gold project, security concerns had arisen.
Director dealings: Centamin director raises stake
Centamin revealed on Wednesday that non-executive director Mark Bankes had acquired 40,000 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed gold miner.
UBS downgrades Royal Mail to 'sell', shares tumble
Royal Mail shares tumbled on Wednesday as UBS downgraded them to ‘sell’ from ‘buy’ and cut the price target to 440p from 590p.
Shareholders approve bonus scheme of incoming Frasers Group CEO
Frasers Group shareholders have approved a new scheme that could see incoming chief executive Michael Murray make a £100m bonus.
FTSE 250 movers: Auction Technology gains; SSP retreats
London’s FTSE 250 was up 0. 2% at 23,182. 41in afternoon trade on Wednesday.