Market Report
Smart Metering maintains forecast after strong recent trading
Smart Metering Systems reported a strong recent performance in a trading update on Thursday, with index-linked annualised recurring revenue (ILARR) growing to £91. 4m as at 30 April from £85. 9m on 31 December.
US pre-open: Dow Jones futures in the red following worst session since June 2020
Wall Street futures were firmly in the red ahead of the bell after both the Dow Jones and S&P 500 booked their worst single-day losses in almost two years in the previous session.
CMA finds Veolia-Suez merger could see waste bills rise
The competition regulator has found that the merger of Veolia and Suez would lead to a loss of competition in waste and water management services, it announced on Thursday.
Manufacturing output grows in May but confidence falls - CBI
Manufacturing output grew at its fastest pace in ten months over the quarter to May, but confidence fell further, according to a survey released on Thursday by the Confederation of British Industry.
Europe midday: Shares extend losses as retailers start to feel the heat
European shares extended losses at midday on Thursday after US equities were sold off on the back of poor earnings from retailer Target and Britain's Royal Mail warned of cost cuts and price rise.
London midday: Stocks fall further amid growth worries
London stocks had extended losses by midday on Thursday, having taken their cue from a selloff on Wall Street, amid growing concerns about global growth.
Provident Financial Q1 trading in line with management expectations
Lender Provident Financial said on Thursday that it had continued to trade in line with internal expectations during the first three months of the year, adding that it remained on track to meet full-year market expectations.
Asia report: Most markets join sell-off amid slew of data
Most equity markets in the Asia-Pacific region joined the global sell-off on Thursday, following a dire session on Wall Street overnight which saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumble almost 1,200 points.
IAG orders 50 new Boeing aircraft
British Airways parent International Consolidated Airlines Group has reached an agreement with Boeing to order 25 737-8200 and 25 737-10 aircraft, plus 100 options.
Fevertree makes 'solid start' to year, reiterates FY guidance
Drinks maker Fevertree said on Thursday that it has made "a solid start to the year", with year-to-date trading in-line with internal expectations.
Capital & Regional confident in ongoing recovery in footfall
Capital & Regional reported a strong ongoing recovery in an update on Thursday, saying that in the first four months of 2022, footfall was 193. 3% of the same period last year.
Woodside shareholders approve BHP petroleum merger
Woodside Petroleum shareholders have approved a $41bn all-share merger with BHP’s petroleum business.
Great Portland confident in London's recovery after 'robust' year
Great Portland Estates reported a “robust” set of full-year results on Thursday, with IFRS net asset value and EPRA net tangible assets per share rising 7. 2% over the year to 835p, as the board described ongoing confidence in London’s recovery.
Qinetiq FY underlying profits fall despite modest revenue growth
Defence firm Qinetiq said on Thursday that full-year underlying operating profits had fallen in the year ended 31 March despite seeing a modest uptick in annual revenues.
Euromoney to exceed full-year expectations after strong first half
Euromoney reported a “strong” first half on Thursday, with group revenue rising an underlying 14% year-on-year to £184. 6m, as it lifted its expectations for full-year performance.
Darktrace distances itself from HP-Autonomy legal row
Cybersecurity firm Darktrace responded to reports on Thursday that one of its executives had been linked to the legal row surrounding Autonomy’s sale to Hewlett Packard.
Countryside swings to H1 loss but backs FY guidance
Countryside Partnerships said on Thursday that it swung to a loss in the first half but backed its expectations for the year.
Europe open: Stocks slump after Target results jolt retailers
European shares fell sharply at the open on Thursday after US equities were sold off on the back of poor earnings from retailers as inflationary pressures started to hit the bottom line.
London open: Stocks slump after Wall Street selloff
London equity markets slumped in early trade on Thursday, taking their cue from a weak session on Wall Street, where stocks suffered their worst losses since June 2020.
Airtel Africa's SmartCash subsidiary commences operations in Nigeria
Telecommunications firm Airtel Africa revealed on Thursday that its SmartCash Payment Service Bank subsidiary had commenced operations in Nigeria.