Market Report
Inflation slows to lowest level for three years
Inflation eased to a three-year low in December, fuelling speculation that the Bank of England could move to cut interest rates later this month.
Quiz posts fall in Christmas sales after solid Black Friday
Quiz shares slumped on Wednesday after the fast fashion retailer reported a decline in sales over the Christmas period.
BoE's Saunders reiterates call for rate cut
Bank of England policymaker Michael Saunders reiterated his call for an interest rate cut on Wednesday as he said the UK economy has remained "sluggish".
Revolution Bars hails seventh consecutive year of record Xmas sales
Revolution Bars hailed its seventh consecutive year of record Christmas sales on Wednesday.
Tower Resources gets extension on exploration at Thali
Africa-focussed oil and gas company Tower Resources updated the market on its work on the Thali licence in Cameroon, conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary Tower Resources Cameroon, on Wednesday.
Revenue and earnings fall as 1pm talks up its 'resilience'
Specialist finance provider 1pm announced its interim results on Wednesday, reporting a 7% improvement in deal origination to £87. 8m, 65% of which was brokered to other lenders for commissions, up from 60% year-on-year.
London open: Stocks muted amid trade deal concerns, ahead of inflation data
London stocks were little changed in early trade on Wednesday as investors eyed the signing of the 'phase one' Sino-US trade deal and the release of key UK inflation figures.
88 Energy on track ahead of drilling of Charlie-1
88 Energy updated the market on the upcoming drilling of the Charlie-1 appraisal well at Project Icewine, located on the Central North Slope in Alaska on Wednesday, reporting that ice road construction was now fully underway with around 25% of the base road now complete, and about 35% of the total route staked and pre-packed.
Michelmersh FY revenues enhanced by Belgian acquisition
Brick manufacturer Michelmersh updated investors on the state of the company following its recently wrapped up trading year on Wednesday.
Cairn Energy and partners sign final investment decision on Sangomar
Cairn Energy, along with its joint venture partners Woodside and FAR, has signed a joint final investment decision statement in agreement with Petrosen and the Government of Senegal over the Sangomar Field Development, it announced on Wednesday.
Travis Perkins appoints Christopher Rogers as Wickes chairman
Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins has appointed Christopher Rogers as chairman designate of Wickes, which is set to be demerged.
Provident Financial sees 2019 profits in line after solid Q4 at Vanquis Bank
Doorstep lender Provident Financial said on Wednesday that 2019 profits were set to meet market expectations following a solid performance from Vanquis Bank in the fourth quarter.
Vistry flags forecast-beating profits for Bovis Homes
Vistry Group updated the market on trading in its Bovis Homes operation for the year ended 31 December on Wednesday, reporting that it expected to deliver another record year of profits, slightly ahead of market consensus.
Diploma backs full-year expectations after in line Q1
Diploma said on Wednesday that it traded in line in the first quarter as it backed its expectations for the full year.
Persimmon full-year revenues fall, Vistry flags record profits after rebrand from Bovis
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open seven points lower on Wednesday, having closed up 0. 06% at 7,622. 35 on Tuesday.
London pre-open: Stocks to edge lower ahead of inflation data
London stocks were set to edge lower at the open on Wednesday as investors eyed the signing of the 'phase one' Sino-US trade deal and the release of key UK inflation figures.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Flybe, tech start-ups, Andrew Tinkler
The immediate future of Flybe was secured on Tuesday night after ministers agreed a rescue deal with shareholders to keep Europe’s largest regional carrier flying. The package of measures includes a potential loan in the region of £100m and/or a possible short-term deferral of a £106m air passenger duty (APD) bill, plus a pledge to review taxes on domestic flights before the March budget. – Guardian.
Europe open: Stocks drift lower ahead of US-China trade deal, lenders' shares soft
Stocks on the Continent were little changed on Wednesday as investors sat on their hands ahead of the signing of the US-China trade deal scheduled for later in the day.