London open: Stocks gain ahead of UK data
22nd Jan 2014 08:48
- Markets at highest level since May 2013 - UK jobless data, MPC minutes in focus - Miners provide a lift but BHP subdued techMARK 2,859.42 +0.46% FTSE 100 6,856.45 +0.32% FTSE 250 16,203.07 +0.36% UK markets opened with moderate gains on Wednesday morning as the FTSE 100 continues to trade at its
Read moreSales growth accelerates at Wetherspoon, but margins under pressure
22nd Jan 2014 07:49
- LFL sales growth picks up to 6.7 per cent - Margins fall due to higher investment - Margin guidance adjusted as new stores open UK pub operator JD Wetherspoon reported a strong pick-up in underlying revenue growth in the quarter covering the key Christmas period, but warned that margins would be
Read moreWednesday preview: UK jobless rate, BoE minutes, Syria peace talks
21st Jan 2014 14:38
The UK unemployment rate will be released along with minutes from the Bank of England's (BoE) meeting earlier this month. Britain's jobless rate is expected to fall to 7.3% in the three months to November from 7.4% the previous period, edging closer the central bank's 7% threshold at which it will
Read moreSunday share tips: TalkTalk, Fyffes, Halfords
10th Nov 2013 16:28
TalkTalk's focus on the cheap end of the pay-TV market is a winning formula, the Sunday Times's Danny Fortson wrote in his Inside the City column. When it reports half-year results on November 12th analysts will be looking out for how its new ultra-budget Essentials package has performed. Barclays e
Read moreWetherspoon Q1 margins slip, but pub opening target raised
6th Nov 2013 07:23
Pubs group JD Wetherspoon said it sees a 'reasonable outcome' this financial year despite a dip in margins in the first quarter, as it raised its target for new site openings. Total sales in the 13 weeks to October 27th increased by 7.6% year-on-year, with like-for-like sales rising by 3.7%, a slig
Read moreWednesday preview: Persimmon, JD Wetherspoon and Lancashire report
5th Nov 2013 14:53
Wednesday's agenda will be busy with interim results from FTSE 350 firms and economic data releases. Kicking off the day will be results from such companies as Persimmon, JD Wetherspoon and Lancashire. Housebuilder Persimmon is expected to confirm trading conditions since its last update at the en
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Miners lifted by Chinese data
4th Nov 2013 15:39
As on the top-tier index, mining stocks were on the rise, buoyed by the upbeat outlook for top metals consumer China. Evraz, Kenmare, Afren, Hochschild and Ferrexpo were among the best performers. Activity in China's services sector in October expanded at its fastest pace in the last year, reinforc
Read moreBroker tips: RBS, Royal Dutch Shell, Wetherspoon
1st Nov 2013 11:55
Investec has recommended a 'sell' rating for Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) after reporting a third quarter loss. "Another results day, another grim wake-up call," Investec said. "The Q3 2013 numbers reveal a plunge back into the red: Attributable Loss -£826m (Q1: +£393m, Q2: +£142m) and Q4 will be
Read moreBroker snap: Wetherspoon a buy ahead of results says Panmure
1st Nov 2013 09:20
Panmure has reiterated its buy recommendation on pub group Wetherspoon ahead of first quarter results on November 6th, with a 806p target price implying around 11 per cent potential upside. Analyst Simon French said he expected an upbeat sales performance reflecting longer food service hours. Wet
Read moreLondon close: Stocks pull back from five-month high
23rd Oct 2013 17:01
- Miners, banks weigh on Footsie - Money-market rates spike in China - RSA up on bid speculation techMARK 2,624.47 -0.41% FTSE 100 6,674.48 -0.32% FTSE 250 15,494.97 -0.11% The FTSE 100 finished in negative territory for the first time in 10 trading sessions on Wednesday as traders took profits af
Read moreLondon midday: Markets pull back from five-month high as banks fall
23rd Oct 2013 11:15
Concerns over the Chinese economy and a weak performance by banking stocks halted a nine-day winning streak for UK markets on Wednesday, as investors chose to take profits following a strong run. The FTSE 100 snapped a nine-day winning streak this morning, pulling back from Tuesday's finish of 6,69
Read moreLondon open: Stocks snap nine-day winning streak
23rd Oct 2013 08:14
Equities pulled back from a five-month high on Wednesday with ex-dividend names weighing on markets in London as traders took a breather following a recent strong run. The FTSE 100 snapped a nine-day winning streak this morning to trade around 0.5% lower than Tuesday's finish of 6,695.66, the index
Read moreMonday broker round-up
16th Sep 2013 12:13
AEC Education: WH Ireland places both its target price (prev.: 11p) and its recommendation under review. Aggreko: Citi reduces target price from 2100p to 2000p leaving its buy recommendation unaltered. Allergy Therapeutics: Panmure Gordon lowers target price from 18p to 16p, while keeping its buy
Read moreBroker tips: AstraZeneca, Pennon, Wetherspoon
13th Sep 2013 12:57
Jefferies has slashed its price target for pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca (AZN) from 3,200p to 2,850p on the back of its concerns about the company's position in the respiratory market. The broker, which maintained its 'hold' rating for the stock, said that AZN's respiratory portfolio "does not
Read moreBroker snap: JD Wetherspoon remains a standout group, says Investec
13th Sep 2013 12:24
Investec has maintained its upbeat stance for pub group JD Wetherspoon after the company reported 'good' annual results and a 'strong start' to the new financial year. Wetherspoon reported a profit before tax and exceptional items of £76.9m for the 52 weeks to July 28th, up 6.3% from £72.4m the yea
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