Baillie Gifford ‘appalled’ by US activist investor Saba Capital’s conduct January 6, 2025 Baillie Gifford has hit back against an activist campaign by US hedge fund Saba Capital targeting three of its investment trusts, calling the hedge fund’s actions “a backdoor attempt to seize control”. “We are appalled by Saba’s actions and conduct,” said Karen Brade, chair of one of Baillie Gifford’s trusts targeted by the attack. Last [...]
2025 Predictions for Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, and other tech leaders January 6, 2025 The Magnificent Seven group of leading tech companies: Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta and Tesla, gained a combined 63 per cent in 2024, building on 2023’s strong performance. Deutsche Bank revealed the group generated more profit in 2024 than most national stock markets. However, JP Morgan has projected their contribution to S&P 500 earnings [...]
Westfield slashes loss ahead of huge funding boost January 6, 2025 The company behind the Westfield shopping centres in London has recorded its lowest pre-tax loss since 2019 despite its turnover being slashed by over 30 per cent. Westfield Europe, which includes sites in Stratford and Croydon, has reported a pre-tax loss of £25.2m for 2023, according to accounts filed late with Companies House. The latest [...]
Yeo Valley doubles profit after natural yoghurt demand surges January 6, 2025 Profit at Yeo Valley has almost doubled after sales at the dairy giant jumped by £40m during its latest financial year. The Somerset-headquartered business has reported a pre-tax profit of £8.1m for the year to 26 May, 2024, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The latest figure comes after Yeo Valley returned to the [...]
Lucky Saint founder: Don’t let ‘Dry January’ dull Britain’s pub culture January 6, 2025 It is no secret that pub culture has long-been deeply ingrained into the social structure of Britain. That said, you’d be forgiven for assuming your latest Dry January drinking hiatus might result in a hiatus from socialising at your favourite local pub. Alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint, however, has launched a new nationwide campaign to [...]
UK’s top court puts final nail in FCA case against former Julius Baer staff January 6, 2025 The Supreme Court has refused to hear a FCA appeal which brings an end to its unsuccessful case against three former employees of the Julius Baer Group
Small firms slash jobs on fears of employment rights bill January 6, 2025 An alarming number of businesses have become increasingly concerned about the future of the UK’s workforce under the new Labour government’s employment reforms. A fresh survey of 1,270 small employers by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed over 90 per cent are worried about the implications of the Employment Rights Bill. A majority [...]
Sarkozy: Former French president on trial over alleged Gaddafi financing January 6, 2025 Former president of France Nicolas Sarkozy goes on trial today over allegations he received funding from the late Libyan dictator
Sell Asos and buy Currys says City broker January 6, 2025 Analysts have backed Currys as their most preferred consumer stock of the year whilst warning investors away from struggling online marketplace Asos. Panmure Liberum analysts set a target price for Currys at 155p versus its current price of 94.25p. The tech retailer had a strong run last year, with its stock up more than 90 [...]
US activist investors ramp up attacks on UK companies January 6, 2025 US activist investors ramped up their attacks on UK companies in 2024, with British firms continuing as the top target for investor campaigns in Europe. 42 per cent of all activist campaigns in Europe targeted the UK, with 59 companies coming under pressure throughout the year, according to Alvarez & Marsal’s latest Activist Alert Outlook. [...]