Market Report
Ready meal group Bakkavor eyes IPO
London-based ready meal provider Bakkavor intends to proceed with an initial public offering so it could begin trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange.
Barclays 'lacks confidence' in turnaround at Provident Financial
A turnaround in Provident Financial's home credit business does not seem likely to Barclays, which also has concerns about a looming regulatory action.
Royal Mail lifted by UBS upgrade to 'neutral'
Royal Mail got a boost on Wednesday as UBS upgraded its stance on the stock to 'neutral' from 'sell' following recent share price underperformance, which leaves it more fairly valued.
M7 Multi-Let proposes £300m flotation
Newly established closed-ended investment company M7 Multi-Let REIT announced on Tuesday that it intended to raise up to £300m pounds, before expenses, by way of a placing, offer for subscription and an intermediary offer of ordinary shares in the company's capital.
Next seen as 'deteriorating' force, Morgan Stanley downgrades shares
Next's profits are not likely to collapse, but Morgan Stanley believes the UK clothing retail giant's core business is "deteriorating" and downgraded its shares to 'underweight'.
Europe midday: Spain activates Article 155 but opens door to Constitutional reform
European stocks are little changed ahead of the release of the minutes of the US central bank's last policy meeting amid news that the Spanish government has asked officials in Catalonia to explicitly clarify their position.
Brave Bison wins tender for All Nippon Airways influencer campaign
Independent digital media and social video broadcaster Brave Bison announced on Wednesday that it has won a competitive tender to develop, create and produce All Nippon Airways' first multi-influencer video marketing campaign.
Character Group issues warning over toy market downturn
Character Group updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, following its trading statement on 19 September, in which it described market conditions as “challenging”.
Asia report: Markets mostly higher on positive economic data
Markets in Asia were mainly in the green on Wednesday, as indices followed the lead of a strong Wall Street overnight after fresh signs of confidence in the United States.
London midday: Stocks drift lower as investors eye FOMC minutes
London stocks were still a touch lower by midday on Wednesday in a pretty listless session, as investors awaited the release of the minutes from the Federal Open Markets Committee's September meeting after the close.
Lithium demand predicted to soar even further
Lithium demand is set to soar further as China's plan to ban new petrol-powered vehicles has led to increased forecasts for alternatively fuelled vehicles in coming years.
US pre-open: Stocks seen muted ahead of FOMC minutes, earnings
US futures pointed to a muted open on Wednesday as investors eyed the minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee’s September meeting and the start of the third-quarter earnings season.
Investment banks facing fifth year of falling revenues, S&P warns
Investment banks could be forced to restructure if the current lull in market volatility continues to pare revenues, said credit rating agency S&P Global as it warned ratings downgrades could follow.
One million Brits to be protected by safeguard energy tariff
One million British households are set to save an average of £120 a year on their energy bills, Ofgem announced on Wednesday, as it confirmed an extension to its prepayment safeguard tariff for “more vulnerable people” this coming winter.
Telford Homes thrives amid 'acute need' for build-to-rent properties
London-based residential developer Telford Homes said on Wednesday that the "ongoing and acute need" for more homes to be built in London continued to underpin its long-term belief in growing the firm's development capacity.
Proactis revenues rise but post-acquisition costs lead to losses
Software company Proactis announced on Wednesday that it had seen earnings and revenues increase over the financial year leading to 31 July, but still posted an operating loss due to administrative expenses related to recent acquisitions.
Smith & Nephew surges on Elliott Management reports
Smith & Nephew shares were given a leg up in London on Wednesday on the back of speculation that US activist investor Elliott Management was building a stake in the artificial limbs group.
MySQUAR makes 'significant progress' as revenues surge
Myanmar-language social media, entertainment and payments platform MySQUAR updated the market on its recent trading on Wednesday morning, saying it was continuing to make “significant progress” in achieving its operational goals.
Speedy Hire secures extension to bank facilities
Tools, equipment and plant hire services company Speedy Hire has secured an extension to its existing bank facilities.
Countryside Properties completions up 28% amid good demand
Countryside Properties posted a jump in completions on Wednesday thanks to strong demand from first-time buyers and low interest rates.