Market Report
Credit Suisse positive on European banks, including Lloyds
Analysts at Credit Suisse sounded a positive note on European banks, telling clients earnings upgrades driven by revenue growth should see the group re-rate and that lenders' shares were pricing in only modest interest rate increases.
Gem Diamonds sells fifth largest diamond ever recovered for $40m
Gem Diamonds has sold the exceptional quality 910 carat D Colour type IIa diamond it recovered from the Letseng mine in Lesotho in January for $40m.
Tennents and super-premium brands drive performance at C&C
Branded cider, beer, wine and soft drinks company C&C Group issued a trading update for the 12 months ended 28 February on Tuesday, reporting that despite weather-related disruption, trading and cash generation was broadly in line with management expectations.
TP ICAP's business picks up after annual profit misses forecasts
TP ICAP said business had picked up as it reported annual profit below market expectations amid low market volatility, which the interdealer relies on for client business.
Profits up at H&T as pawnbroker describes 'milestone' year
H&T Group announced its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December on Tuesday, reporting an 11. 7% improvement in gross profit to £63. 8m.
Surgical Innovations pleased with progress after Elemental acquisition
Medical technology company Surgical Innovations Group reported “strong” financial results for the year ended 31 December on Tuesday.
Smart Metering pleased after year of investment
Smart Metering Systems announced its final results for the 12 months ended 31 December on Tuesday, reporting continued growth across all business areas.
Fevertree profit jumps 64% but results fail to impress amid high expectations
Fevertree Drinks, a supplier of premium drink mixers, reported a 64% jump in full-year pre-tax profit on Tuesday as revenue rose amid growth across the group, but the results failed to impress amid high expectations.
Europe open: Stocks start higher ahead of US CPI report
Stocks have begun the morning trading slightly higher, as investors play it safe ahead of the latest consumer price data in the States due out later in the day.
Tasty profits drop amid challenging market conditions
AIM-listed Tasty, the owner of restaurants Wildwood and Dim T, reported a drop in full-year gross profit on Tuesday even as revenue rose, amid challenging market conditions.
Antofagasta ups dividend 177% as strike action looms
Antofagasta increased its dividend 177% for last year as cash flow surged on the group's highest operating margin in five years, though the world’s largest copper producer is facing strike action at its Los Pelambres mine.
French Connection rallies as full-year loss narrows
Shares in French Connection rallied on Tuesday as the fashion retailer reported a narrowing of its full-year losses and said it was close to returning to profitability.
Trump blocks Qualcomm takeover by Broadcom 'to protect national security'
Donald Trump has signed an order to block the takeover of US-based Qualcomm by Singapore-based rival Broadcom over the potential threat to national security.
Close Brothers first-half operating profit up 6%
FTSE 250 merchant bank Close Brothers posted a 6% jump in first-half adjusted operating profit on Tuesday thanks to a good performance across its businesses.
London open: Stocks nudge lower ahead of Chancellor's spring statement
London stocks nudged lower in early trade on Tuesday following an uninspiring session in the US, as investors eyed Chancellor Philip Hammond's spring statement and the latest inflation reading from across the pond.
Computacenter profit surges on strong German growth
Computacenter’s annual profit jumped by more than a fifth as strong growth in Germany offset falling profit at the IT infrastructure company’s UK business.
Just Group deputy chairman to step down in May
FTSE 250 retirement specialist Just Group said on Tuesday that deputy chairman Tom Cross Brown will retire at the next annual general meeting in May.
Old Mutual to resist legal action by US insurer Travelers
Old Mutual said it would resist a legal claim made against it by Travelers, the US insurer, related to assets Old Mutual sold in 2011.
Legal & General buys rest of CALA Homes from partner
Legal & General Group announced on Tuesday that its Legal & General Capital division has acquired the 52. 1% of CALA Homes which it did not previously own, with completion occurring simultaneously with the announcement.