Headline News
US firms hire at slowest pace in September since January 2021, ADP says
Firms in the U. S. slowed their pace of hiring last month to the least since January 2021, the results of a survey revealed.
Consortium said to table offer for Ascential events arm, shares surge
A consortium of strategic and financial investors has reportedly approached Ascential with a bid to take over its Cannes Lions and other events operations.
HS2 rail project to be scrapped - Sunak
The troubled HS2 rail project has been scrapped, Rishi Sunak confirmed on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation about its future.
Private sector demand slides across Eurozone
The Eurozone economy continued to falter last month, data showed on Wednesday, as demand for goods and services fell sharply.
Interim earnings set to fall at SSE
SSE said on Wednesday that it expected interim earnings to fall, after renewables output was hit by adverse weather.
Nicholas Lyons to return as Phoenix Group chair
Phoenix Group said on Wednesday that Nicholas Lyons will be returning to the company and will be appointed chair of the board of directors with effect from 1 December.
UK services sector suffers worst performance in eight months
The UK’s services sector suffered its worst performance in eight months in September amid subdued demand and cutbacks to non-essential spending, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
Superdry strikes joint venture deal with India's Reliance, shares soar
Superdry said on Wednesday that it has struck a £40m partnership deal with India’s Reliance Brands, sending shares in the struggling fashion retailer sharply higher.
QinetiQ wins $127m five-year US contract
QinetiQ said on Wednesday that it has been awarded a five-year $127m contract in the US from the Office of the Secretary of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO).
Spirent Communications cuts near-term outlook
Spirent Communications cut its near-term outlook on Wednesday as it pointed to an "extremely challenged" telecommunications market and the fact its largest customers are delaying expenditure and technology investments.
U.S. job openings jump unexpectedly in August, but quits rate at pre-pandemic level
The number of job openings increased unexpectedly in August, but the proportion of Americans voluntarily leaving a position continued to be at the same level as before the pandemic.
RBA keeps rates at 11-year high of 4.1%, as expected
The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its key interest rate on hold on Tuesday for the fourth month in a row.
RHI Magnesita buys P-D Refractories for €45m
RHI Magnesita said on Tuesday that it has bought P-D Refractories for around €45m.
AstraZeneca agrees to settle most Nexium, Prilosec claims
Global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has agreed to settle litigation on product liability related to two of its widely-used heartburn drugs, Nexium and Prilosec, it announced on Tuesday.
QinetiQ wins $84m 5-year contract with US Army
Defence technology firm QinetiQ said on Tuesday that it has been awarded a five-year $84m contract in the US for the testing and production of the Next Generation Advanced Bomb Suit (NGABS).
US factory activity slows less quickly in September, ISM says
Activity levels in America's factory sector continued to shrink last month, albeit at a slower pace than in August, the results of a closely followed survey revealed.
US open: Stocks off to a mixed start in Q4
Wall Street's main market gauges were trading on a mixed note at the start of the fourth quarter, with Treasuries unloved even after the US narrowly avoided a government shutdown over the weekend.
Next CFO Amanda James to step down next year
Clothing and homeware retailer Next said on Monday that chief financial officer Amanda James plans to step down from the board in July 2024 after 28 years with the company.
John Lewis boss Sharon White to step down
John Lewis confirmed on Monday that chairman Sharon White will be leaving when her five-year term ends in February 2025, making her tenure the shortest in the retailer’s history.
BAE Systems secures £3.95bn funding for submarine contract
Defence contractor BAE Systems has been awarded £3. 95bn of funding from the Ministry of Defence for the next phase of the UK's next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine programme, known as SSN-AUKUS.