Market Pulse
M&S leaves analysts dividend into patient and impatient camps
Half-time results from Marks & Spencer divided analysts, with some lamenting the glacial progress in the retailer's turnaround but others seeing the dividend as safe and a just reward for investor patience.
Aberdeen bypass to cost Galliford Try an extra £20m
FTSE 250 construction group Galliford Try warned on Wednesday that costs to complete the Aberdeen bypass - a joint venture with Balfour Beatty - will increase by around £20m due to further delays and higher-than-expected direct costs.
Lookers on track for FY as used car segment offsets weakness in new cars
Car dealership chain Lookers said on Wednesday that full-year results should be in line with market expectations despite disruption from new emissions regulations, as a solid performance from the used car and aftersales segments offset weakness in new cars.
BMW stock reverses after tough quarter for sector
BMW shares skidded almost 3% lower on Wednesday as the car manufacturer's third-quarter revenues rose more than expected but profits were very slightly short.
Marks & Spencer half-year sales disappoint
Marks & Spencer said it was leaving "no stone unturned" in its efforts to restructure the business to cope with the new retail environment, where sales and profit margins fell in the first half of the year.
Europe midday: Oil&Gas shares, Spanish banks pace gains
Stocks across the Continent are trading on the front foot as investor breathe a sigh of relief that the US midterm elections on Tuesday night didn't yield any surprises that might 'rock the boat'.
Benchmark expects 'significant growth' from last trading year
Benchmark Holdings expects to report "significant growth" in both revenues and earnings from its recently wrapped up trading year.
John Lewis chairman to step down
John Lewis Partnership chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield is to step down in 2020, the ailing department store chain said on Wednesday.
Fulham Shore sees 'successful' first half as Franco Manca expansion continues
Franco Manca owner Fulham Shore turned in results from its "successful" first trading half on Wednesday, sending shares higher in early trading.
Tyman's 'strong performance' driven by recent US acquisitions
Building products outfit Tyman has witnessed a "strong performance" so far this year, with revenue and profits being driven by its recent acquisitions of Ashland and Zoo Hardware.
London midday: Miners pace the advance as ITV, M&S disappoint
After US mid-term elections panned out pretty much as expected, London stocks extended gains as Wednesday's session wore on, as strength in the mining sector helped to offset disappointing updates from M&S, ITV and G4S.
US pre-open: Stocks to rise after mid-terms; focus shifts to Fed announcement
US stocks looked set for gains at the open on Wednesday as investors digested an in-line outcome from the mid-term elections.
Adidas lifts profit outlook after third quarter bounce
German sportswear giant Adidas has raised its full year profit forecast despite softer sales than previously expected.
Big Sofa appoints Kirsty Fuller as new CEO
AIM-listed video analytics provider Big Sofa has appointed Kirsty Fuller as its new chief executive officer with immediate effect.
Botswana Diamonds eyes production at Thorny River asset
AIM-listed producer Botswana Diamonds hopes its Thorny River site in South Africa will become the first of its mines to move into operation after inking a mining contract with Palaeo Minerals.
Starcom inks North African distribution deal
Wireless solutions outfit Starcom will provide a number of its Helios Advanced units to a local distributor in North Africa after signing a supply deal on Wednesday.
G4S sales unexpectedly slow in third quarter
Outsourcer G4S warned that profits were likely to be flat this year after growth unexpectedly slowed in the third quarter.
Persimmon CEO Fairburn to step down; Q3 forward sales up 9%
Housebuilder Persimmon said on Wednesday that chief executive Jeff Fairburn will step down at the end of the year following outrage over his £75m bonus, as it reported "positive" market conditions in the third quarter.
Mulberry losses widen as it takes £2.1m hit from HoF collapse
Interim losses at luxury handbag maker Mulberry widened while revenues slid as the company took a hit from the collapse of House of Fraser.
Annual house price growth slows to 5-year low in October - Halifax
Annual house price growth in the UK slowed to a five-year low in October, according to the latest data from lender Halifax.