New McBride boss buys
13th May 2010 15:57
McBride's new chief executive Christopher Bull has invested nearly £170,000 in buying an initial stake in the private label household products manufacturer. Bull has bought 90,000 shares at an average price of 188.19p a share one week after he took over as chief executive. Bull was previously chi
Read moreThursday tips round-up: Barratt, Genus, Centrica
13th May 2010 06:05
Competition for land in the South ? towards which Barratt Developments has tilted its axis ? is getting fierce, and the impact of deficit-reduction measures in a country in which one in five works for the State is unclear. At 123¼p, up 6¾p, there should be better times to buy, according to the Times
Read moreLondon close: Shares rise as government takes shape
12th May 2010 16:45
Markets started indecisively with attention focused on the trickle of news of cabinet appointments followed by the first performance of the Cameron-Clegg double act in the garden of 10 Downing Street, but shares later picked up and closed with good gains. Cameron and Clegg were given an indication
Read moreLondon afternoon: Coalition hopes lift Footsie
12th May 2010 15:07
Investors' attention remains firmly focused on the assembly of prime minister David Cameron's new government and his first press conference with new partner Nick Clegg. The pair seemed indistinguishable as they stood on the lawns of No 10 Downing St, but they were given an indication of the econom
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Barratt builds gains
12th May 2010 13:56
Housebuilder Barratt is in demand after saying it expects to report an underlying profit in the second half of its current financial year after a pick-up in both prices and forward reservations. Shares in ITV are wanted despite a ruling from the Competition Commission saying the broadcaster will no
Read moreBroker tips: Compass, Rentokil, Barratt
12th May 2010 12:22
Compass has rallied to its highest level since 2001 following "excellent" interim results which beat market expectations, prompting analysts to put their shares on the menu. The firm grew profit before tax by 19% to £459m during the first six months and underlying profit by 14% to £462m. Reported r
Read moreLondon midday: Shares seeking direction
12th May 2010 12:04
With much of traders' attention focused on the assembly of prime minister David Cameron's new government, shares are little changed. Cameron, the country's youngest prime minister for almost 200 years, will head a coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Lib Dem leader Nick
Read moreBroker snap: Barratt positives priced in
12th May 2010 11:22
KBC Peel Hunt is unimpressed with Barratt's claim it will make an underlying profit in the second half and calls today's rally a relief bounce. The average selling price during the six months to 30 June is up 15% on the prior year and will be at least 10% up for the full financial year, Barratt ann
Read moreLondon open: Footsie starts lower
12th May 2010 08:42
London's top stocks opened slightly lower as David Cameron started his first full day as Britain's new prime minister. Cameron, the country's youngest prime minister for almost 200 years, will head a coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats after a day of more dramatic twists
Read moreLondon pre-open: Small drop ahead
12th May 2010 07:38
The Footsie is expected to drop slightly when it opens to a new Conservative government after David Cameron was appointed Britain's new prime minister last night. Cameron, the country's youngest prime minister for almost 200 years, will head a coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal D
Read moreBarratt to make second half profit
12th May 2010 07:24
Housebuilder Barratt expects to report an underlying profit in the second half of its current financial year after a pick-up in both prices and forward reservations. For the six months to 30 June 2010 its average selling price increased by around 15% on the prior year equivalent period and will be
Read moreWednesday preview: French unit may save Kesa
11th May 2010 15:59
Kesa Electricals is expected to have done well enough at its larger French operations to offset anticipated weakness at its Comet retail chain during the final months of its financial year, experts think. Analysts at Singer Capital Markets predicts a 3-4% decline in like for like sales during the f
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Bellway builds gains
24th Mar 2010 13:23
Bellway leads the risers. The housebuilder upped its dividend by 10% after moving back into profit in the half year to January 31. Pre-tax profits during the six month period totalled £19m, up from a loss of £48.6m. Turnover climbed to £360.8m from £320.2m, as falling house prices attracted new buy
Read moreLondon close: Footsie edges forward
12th Mar 2010 16:44
The leading share index limped higher to into the weekend only a few points ahead on the week. Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays gained. Life groups Old Mutual, Legal & General and Standard Life are also in demand. HSBC was the exception among the financials after Goldman Sachs reduced i
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie heading higher again
12th Mar 2010 14:05
Futures pointing to a strong start on Wall Street after better than expected retail sales figures and demand for the UK banks have kept Footsie moving upwards. Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays are all higher. Life groups Old Mutual, Legal & General and Standard Life are also in demand.
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