Market Report
ASOS posts record interim profit; confirms placing to weather Covid-19
Online fashion retailer ASOS reported record interim pre-tax profits on Tuesday as it confirmed it is "close" to finalising a potential equity issuance and extension to its debt facilities amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday preview: Boris Johnson and Asos in the spotlight
The focus on Wednesday will very likely remain on the condition of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Daily new Covid-19 infections in Italy fall again
The number of Italians newly infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus fell again sharply on Tuesday.
Europe close: Shares extend gains on hopes pandemic coming under control
Stocks across the Continent extended the previous session's rally amid optimism that authorities in Europe and the US are succeeding in getting the Covid-19 pandemic under control.
Safestyle launches placing to raise £8.5m amid Covid-19 lockdown
Safestyle has announced a placing to raise £8. 5m to strengthen its balance sheet and help see it through the coronavirus outbreak.
Director dealings: Glencore director ups stake
Glencore revealed on Tuesday that non-executive director Peter Coates had acquired 80,000 ordinary shares in the FTSE 100-listed mining firm.
London close: Rosier sentiment sees stocks hold on to gains
Equity markets in London managed to hold on to their gains by the close on Tuesday, as investors welcomed signs that the coronavirus spread in countries such as Italy and Spain is slowing, with the stocks most battered by the pandemic benefitting from the optimistic mood.
Broker tips: Diageo, United Utilities, Next Fifteen, Antofagasta
Analysts at Liberum upgraded drinks maker Diageo from 'hold' to 'buy' on Tuesday, stating that they were confident that the firm's brands and hard to replicate route-to-consumer path would survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
Intercede expecting bump in profits as it reduces costs
Digital identity, credential management and security firm Intercede announced a “continuing trend” of improved operational and financial performance on Tuesday.
Holders Technology cuts costs amid Covid crisis
Printed circuit board materials company Holders Technology updated the market on its trading and the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on its operations in the UK and Germany on Tuesday.
Liberum ups Diageo to 'buy'
Analysts at Liberum upgraded drinks maker Diageo from 'hold' to 'buy' on Tuesday, stating that they were confident that the firm's brands and hard to replicate route-to-consumer path would survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
Whatsapp to introduce limit on message forwards to fight against misinformation
Whatsapp is restricting the frequency of messages forwarded to a group of people on its platform to fight against the spread of misinformation.
FTSE 250 movers: Cineworld rallies; Assura slides after placing
London’s FTSE 250 was up 6. 7% at 15,801. 68 in afternoon trade on Tuesday.
US open: Stocks continue rally on encouraging signs from worst-hit countries
US stocks opened higher on Tuesday, continuing on the sharp gains recorded in the previous session.
FTSE 100 movers: Carnival cruises higher; Ocado in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was up 3. 3% at 5,763. 97 in afternoon trade on Tuesday, with stocks that have taken a beating of late on the back of the coronavirus pandemic among the top gainers.
Credit Suisse says BHP dividend safe even in 'more extreme' scenarios
Analysts at Credit Suisse cut their target price for shares of BHP Billiton from 1,900. 0p 1,600. 0p but upgraded their recommendation from 'neutral' to 'outperform'.
Edenville Energy looking to shore up funding amid pandemic
Edenville Energy updated the market in light of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, as it looked to shore up its funding amid the ongoing disruption.
Tuesday broker round-up
United Utilities: RBC Capital Markets upgrades to outperform with a target price of 975p.
Berenberg slashes target price on Next Fifteen
Analysts at Berenberg slashed their target price on marketing firm Next Fifteen from 630. 0p to 420. 0p on Tuesday but said the group's current share price more than reflected current headwinds.
House prices flat in March before lockdown - Halifax
UK house prices were steady in March before the coronavirus lockdown came into effect but activity is set to fall "sharply" in the coming months, according to figures released by Halifax on Tuesday.