Market Report
Petards revenue falls as defence operations struggle
Security and surveillance systems developer Petards Group reported an 8% fall in its interim revenue to £8. 9m in its half-year report on Thursday.
Conroy Gold upbeat on review findings at Clontibret Gold Deposit
Ireland and Finland-focussed gold exploration and development company Conroy Gold and Natural Resources announced the results of an independent review of the structural controls on the Clontibret Gold Deposit in County Monaghan, Ireland, by consultant structural geologist Dr Francis Murphy on Thursday.
Turbulent leather market sees Pittards revenue fall in first half
Specialist advanced leather producer Pittards reported a 16% drop in interim revenue in its half-year report on Thursday, to £12. 1m.
Underlying operating profit takes a step backwards at FW Thorpe
Professional lighting systems supplier FW Thorpe announced its preliminary results for the year ended 30 June on Thursday, reporting a 0. 9% improvement in revenue to £110. 6m.
Europe open: Markets rise after Fed cuts rates, BoE statement eyed
European stocks were higher on Thursday morning, as investors digested the impact the Fed's latest rate cut and eyed the next Bank of England monetary policy statement.
London open: Stocks nudge lower after Fed; BoE announcement eyed
London stocks slipped in early trade on Thursday as investors digested a hawkish rate cut from the US Federal Reserve and looked ahead to a policy announcement from the Bank of England.
Saga profits drop as travel business hit by Brexit uncertainty
Over-50s specialist Saga posted a drop in interim profit on Thursday as Brexit-related uncertainty took its toll on the travel business, but the group backed its expectations for the year.
UK Commercial Property REIT continues to outperform benchmark
UK Commercial Property REIT reported a net asset value total return of 1. 9% in its half-year results on Thursday, down from 12. 2% a year earlier, with the boards saying the result was achieved with low relative net gearing of 16. 2% as its property portfolio continued to outperform the benchmark.
JD Sports faces further CMA probe over Footasylum acquisition
Footwear and sports apparel retailer JD Sports Fashion’s acquisition of Footasylum was facing a fresh regulatory hurdle on Thursday, as the Competition and Markets Authority confirmed that it intended to refer its review to a phase two investigation.
IG Group first-quarter revenues flat, still sees return to revenue growth in FY20
Online trading platform IG Group reported flat first-quarter revenues on Thursday, said it performed well and backed its expectations for a return to revenue growth in FY20.
Tate & Lyle inks insurance deal with Legal & General, JD Sports acquisition of Footasylum to be probed further
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 16 points lower on Thursday, having closed down 0. 09% at 7,314. 05 on Wednesday.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Credit card spending, River Island, Royal Mail, EDF
Credit card spending has overtaken cash for the first time, according to data from UK retailers. This means notes and coins have been demoted to the third most popular method of payment. The figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) – whose members are responsible for £180bn of sales – come amid warnings that millions of adults would struggle to cope in a cashless society. – Guardian.
London pre-open: Stocks to edge lower after Fed announcement, ahead of BoE
London stocks were set to edge lower at the open on Thursday as investors mulled the latest policy announcement from the Federal Reserve and looked ahead to a policy decision from the Bank of England and the release of UK retail sales data.
US close: Stocks mixed as Fed cuts interest rates by 25 basis points
US stocks finished in a mixed state on Wednesday, as investors reacted to a rate cut decision from the US Federal Reserve late in the session.