The cup may overflow at Greene King
INVESTORS will be hoping that final results from Greene King will allow them to raise a glass in celebration, with the company building on good figures for the fourth quarter. Sales at this particular publican have outstripped rivals, which could mean that some special figures are brewing. IG Index quotes 529p-532p for Greene King.
The share price of the world’s largest mining company, BHP Billiton, has fallen sharply over the last few trading sessions. This sell-off followed the Federal Open Market Committee’s decision last Wednesday to hold off from adding to its large scale asset purchase programme. On top of this, the Fed downgraded its outlook for US growth and employment. As Chinese GDP growth is slowing, and its manufacturing sector contracts, this raises fears of a protracted slowdown taking hold across the global economy, moderating demand for raw materials. GFT quotes 1,749p-1,753.5p.
Nike is to announce its fourth quarter sales figures this Thursday, with analysts predicting a 13.1 per cent increase. The company is a likely benefactor from a surge in football shirt sales, and the upcoming Olympics is expected to further benefit revenue. Nike has also announced it would like to offload its Umbro and Cole Haan brands to focus on its core business. Spread Co quotes 98.54p-98.74p.
Better than expected UK retail sales numbers earlier this month may still not be enough for Debenhams. On Thursday, the company will give a trading update on the three months since March. Having seen the wettest April on record, and having reduced prices to attract customers, it will be interesting to see if profit margins have managed to stay intact, even if assisted by the Diamond Jubilee. CMC Markets quotes 81.85p-82.04 for the high street retailer.