FTSE 100 soars to a 4 1/2-year high as investors take heart from the US January 21, 2013 BRITAIN’S FTSE 100 scaled fresh 4-1/2 year peaks yesterday, with signs of progress in US budget talks encouraging investors’ shift from low-yielding government bonds into higher risk, higher return equities. US Republican leaders signalled they would allow the government to raise the debt ceiling and borrow to prevent a default in the next three months [...]
Virgin picks US exec as its new airline leader January 8, 2013 VIRGIN Atlantic has hired American Airlines executive Craig Kreeger as its new chief executive, replacing Steve Ridgway at the carrier from 1 February. Kreeger, who has beaten internal candidate Julie Southern to the top job, joins the firm as it navigates a new tie-up with US giant Delta Air Lines. The search for Ridgway’s replacement [...]
There are alternatives to the NHS but we must face up to its failure February 7, 2013 THERE is a scene near the beginning of the film Casablanca when a crime takes place. In response, the chief of police commands, “Round up the usual suspects!” He knows this will not reveal the culprit. Doubtless, his staff know too. Everybody knows. But at least he can say he is taking action. The response [...]
Fellaini’s headbutt merits three-month ban December 16, 2012 IMAGINE you are in the penalty area and there’s a lot of jostling going on between you and an opposition defender, and you feel the need to take some unilateral action. Do you: a) push him away vigorously; b) elbow him in the ribs; c) punch him; d) give him a head-butt? Marouane Fellaini opted [...]
FTSE 100 edges up on US stimulus hopes December 12, 2012 The blue chip index ticked slightly higher in early deals this morning, staying above the important 5,900 level, underpinned by expectations of more stimulus measures from the Federal Reserve at a meeting later today. Anglo American pushed up the index in early trading. The miner added more than 1.5 per cent on the back of [...]
Breitling brands it like Beckham November 18, 2012 DAVID BECKHAM has lent his face to brands ranging from Adidas to Emporio Armani – and now Breitling has joined in on the action by confirming it has partnered with the sports star for its latest campaign. The ads, shot by world-renowned photographer Anthony Mandler, see the 37-year-old sporting a leather aviator jacket and the [...]
It is never easy to attempt something this fresh December 5, 2012 AS TIM Mason departs and Tesco announces a strategic review of its US venture Fresh and Easy, it is Sir Terry Leahy’s judgement that is under scrutiny. But despite the failure of his American dream, critics should not use hindsight to throw too many brickbats Leahy’s way. It is important to remember both how bold [...]
Admiral hits record profit in tough year March 7, 2012 ADMIRAL shares climbed 11 per cent yesterday after the firm overcame last year’s profit warning to announce better-than-expected results. The car insurance giant increased profits to £299m in 2011, up 13 per cent on the year before, largely thanks to the addition of 600,000 new customers. Turnover increased 38 per cent to £2.19bn. But although [...]
Admiral profit rise fuelled by UK growth March 7, 2012 Motor insurer Admiral said its 2011 profit rose by a better-than-expected 13 percent, with continued strong growth in customer numbers in the UK outweighing a wider loss at its fledgling international operations. Admiral, which insures one in ten cars on Britain’s roads, made a pre-tax profit of £299m last year, it said on Wednesday, up [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: CAN ADMIRAL BOOST PROFITS IN 2012? March 7, 2012 NICK JOHNSON NUMIS UK customer growth slowed in the second half of the year to a 10 per cent annualised increase from 30 per cent in the first half, as Admiral switched from raising rates a little less than the market to a little more. The group put through average rate increases of 15 per [...]