Market Report
Tritax BigBox proposes placing to fund acquisition pipeline
FTSE 250-listed real estate investment trust Tritax Big Box has proposed a non pre-emptive placing to its institutional investors of more than 109m new ordinary shares in order to fund its acquisition pipeline and asset management initiatives.
N4 Pharma firms up details for erectile dysfunction drug trial
Specialist pharmaceutical company N4 Pharma announced on Wednesday that it has commenced a proof of concept clinical trial for its lead product, erectile dysfuncion drug sildenafil.
Dignity surges as premium funerals prove more popular than thought
Shares in Dignity surged on Wednesday after the funeral services provider said full-year results are likely to be ahead of current market expectations despite volatility, as more people than initially thought went for its premium funeral packages.
CYBG to operate below guidance as PPI costs escalate
CYBG announced on Wednesday that it expects to increase its provisions for legacy PPI costs as at 31 March by £350m, with the provision amount subject to the finalisation of its half year results for the six months ended 31 March.
Eurozone inflation rises less than expected in March
Consumer prices in the eurozone rose more slowly than initially thought in March, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
US considers restrictions Chinese tech companies
US trade representatives are considering retaliations against Chinese restrictions on overseas companies operating in high-tech sectors, potentially sparking a new trade skirmish between the superpowers.
All Brexit scenarios likely to leave Britain worse off, report says
Each of the four Brexit scenarios under consideration by the government would leave Britain worse off and cost hundreds of millions of pounds a week, according to a report.
Polymetal sees decent improvement in first quarter gold production
Polymetal International issued its production results for the first quarter ended 31 March on Wednesday, reporting 295 Koz of gold equivalent production, a 5% year-on-year increase.
Hochschild Mining achieves strong first quarter production despite San Jose stoppage
Hochschild Mining reported record first quarter attributable production in an update on Wednesday, with 4. 7 million ounces of silver and 69,030 ounces of gold produced in the period.
Countryside Properties H1 completions jump 15% but selling prices drop
FTSE 250 housebuilder and urban regeneration partner Countryside Properties posted a 15% jump in first-half completions on Wednesday, but selling prices fell.
Spectris merges test and measurement subsidiaries
Instrumentation and controls group Spectris will merge two of its operating companies at the beginning of next year, taking advantage of both firm's complementary expertise across the measurement chain.
Jupiter Fund Management under pressure as first-quarter AuM drop
Jupiter Fund Management was under the cosh on Wednesday as it posted a drop in first-quarter assets under management.
London open: Stocks sparkle ahead of inflation data; Hammerson caves on Intu
London traders had a sunny disposition early on Wednesday taking their cue from a turn in the weather and upbeat sessions in the US and Asia as investors eyed the release of key inflation data and sifted through a deluge of corporate news.
Moneysupermarket Q1 revenue up 4%, confident of meeting market expectations
FTSE 250 comparison website Moneysupermarket. com reported a 4% jump in first-quarter revenue on Wednesday and said it remains confident of meeting current market expectations.
Meggitt to supply wheels and brake components for new Korean fighter jets
High performance aerospace, defence and energy components provider Meggitt has secured a multi-million dollar contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), it announced on Wednesday, to supply advanced nose and main wheels, high performance carbon brakes and a brake control system for the KF-X multirole fighter jet.
Rio Tinto posts mixed production results amid $5bn divestment programme
Rio Tinto issued its first quarter production figures on Wednesday, reporting that Pilbara iron ore shipments at 80. 3 million tonnes were 5% higher than the first quarter of 2017, benefitting from productivity improvements and fewer weather disruptions.
Smurfit Kappa makes further investment in French kraftliner mill
Packaging business Smurfit Kappa has invested further into its Facture paper mill in France in order to meet increased demand for its kraftliner products, made of 100% unbleached softwood fibres and high quality recycled fibres.
BT consolidating enterprise businesses in the UK and Ireland
BT Group announced on Wednesday that it would bring together its enterprise businesses in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, in a bid to accelerate its transformation, simplify its operating model and strengthen accountabilities.
Bodycote secures 15-year contract with Rolls-Royce
Bodycote has signed a 15-year contract with Rolls-Royce's civil aerospace business that is expected to be worth more than £160m in incremental revenues.
Mediclinic profits improve as Middle East back to health
Mediclinic International said it expects profits for the year to be marginally ahead of expectations, thanks to a "significant" second half improvement in its Middle East and Southern Africa hospitals.