Market Report
London open: Stocks edge lower as investors continue to mull snap election
London stocks edged lower in early trade, adding to losses from the previous session when the FTSE suffered its worst day since the Brexit vote after Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans for a snap general election on 8 June.
EU car registrations jump in March, but still point to slowdown
Car registrations in the European Union rebounded in March, led by rebounds in France and Germany, but analysts said they continued to point to a gradual slowdown.
Tesco sells off opticians business
In the latest effort to trim unwanted fat from the business, Tesco has struck a deal to offload its opticians business to Vision Express for an undisclosed sum.
Electra Private Equity sells interests in housebuilders for £94m
FTSE 250 investor Electra Private Equity has sold its interests in housebuilder Cala Group and Retirement Bridge Group, a home reversion equity release provider, to Patron Capital Partners for a combined £94m.
Polymetal's gold production increases, on track to meet full year targets
Polymetal International’s first quarter gold production increased following recent acquisitions as the miner remains on track to deliver its production and cost targets for the full year.
Prudential trading at substantial valuation discount, Berenberg says
Analysts at Berenberg hiked their target price on shares of Prudential, telling clients not to let the opportunity pass.
Bunzl's new business wins add to first-quarter buzz
Outsourcing company Bunzl reported a rise in first quarter revenue following new business wins and acquisitions.
Victrex CEO Hummel to retire next year
Victrex has announced that David Hummel plans to retire as chief executive at the end of March 2018 after 24 years at the company.
Europe open: IBM earnings weigh on sentiment, ECB speakers in focus
European stocks began the day on a slightly mixed note, tracking a lower close on Wall Street overnight with the poor results from tech giant IBM which were published after the closing bell in New York further weighing on sentiment.
Rentokil makes strong start to acquisition-filled year
Pest control and hygiene group Rentokil Initial posted its first quarter trading update on Wednesday, with ongoing revenue rising 23. 8% - or 10% at constant exchange rates - to £579m.
Segro hails 'excellent start' to year
Segro said on Wednesday that it has had an "excellent start" to 2017, signing £16m of new headline rent.
Burberry posts drop in H2 revenue despite 'exceptional' UK performance
Luxury fashion brand Burberry reported a drop in total underlying revenue in the second half as an "exceptional" performance in the UK was offset by efforts to improve brand positioning in the US and in the beauty business.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower; Parliament to vote on snap election
London stocks were set for more losses on Wednesday, having suffered their worst day since the Brexit vote a day earlier after Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans for a snap general election on 8 June.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: RBS, RWE, Next, Greece
Philip Hammond has signalled that the government is facing a multibillion-pound loss from selling off its 73% stake in Royal Bank of Scotland. The chancellor told MPs that that “we have to live in the real world”, as he indicated that the remaining shares could be sold below the 502p average price that was paid for them during 2008 and 2009 when £45bn of taxpayers’ money was pumped into the Edinburgh-based bank. – Guardian.