FTSE pushes up despite retail sector woes March 31, 2011 A raft of corporate results today has the potential to move the FTSE in either direction, but it is picking an upward path this morning. Mixed UK economic data has clouded the picture further. The GfK consumer confidence index has stalled at February’s low level on households’ concerns over their finances. Nationwide, however, said house [...]
FTSE pushes up despite retail sector woes March 31, 2011 A raft of corporate results today has the potential to move the FTSE in either direction, but it is picking an upward path this morning. Mixed UK economic data has clouded the picture further. The GfK consumer confidence index has stalled at February’s low level on households’ concerns over their finances. Nationwide, however, said house [...]
The knock-on cost of pricey commodities February 27, 2011 Inflation is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment. RPI inflation – the measure that best reflects the true rise in the cost of living in the UK – is now at 5.1 per cent a year as producers raise prices to protect their profits. But even the biggest brand owners are struggling to [...]
A string of strong earnings reports sends FTSE jumping April 20, 2011 COMMODITY stocks helped power the FTSE 100 index sharply higher yesterday, while earnings from Reckitt Benckiser and Home Retail, following US tech bellwether Intel, boosted risk appetite. The FTSE 100 closed up 125.39 points, or 2.1 per cent, at 6,022.26 following a 0.5 per cent gain on Tuesday. This wiped out Monday’s 2.1 per cent [...]
House prices up 0.8 per cent in January February 4, 2011 UK house prices rose by a slim 0.8 per cent in January compared with the previous month, according to figures from the Halifax. But the lender said prices had fallen 2.4 per cent compared with a year earlier. According to the figures the typical home in the UK now costs £164,173. “We expect limited movement [...]
New car registrations drop February 4, 2011 New car registrations fell 11.5 per cent on the year in January to 128,811 vehicles, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The organisation predicted that 2010 would be a tough year. “This is in line with SMMT forecasts and marks the beginning of a challenging year for the UK motor industry,” said [...]
New car registrations drop February 4, 2011 New car registrations fell 11.5 per cent on the year in January to 128,811 vehicles, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The organisation predicted that 2010 would be a tough year. “This is in line with SMMT forecasts and marks the beginning of a challenging year for the UK motor industry,” said [...]
Carpetright in profit warning February 1, 2011 CARPETRIGHT, the UK’s biggest floor coverings retailer, yesterday warned on profits after a third-quarter sales slump, showing how a weak housing market, tax hikes and government cuts have hit consumer confidence. The retailer also said customers would face double-digit price rises this year due to the soaring cost of raw materials. “It is the first [...]
FTSE buoyed by upbeat corporate results April 26, 2011 Strong corporate results and positive broker research buoyed the FTSE today, leading the market to its highest close in more than two months. The FTSE 100 closed 0.9 per cent higher at 6.069.36 in low volumes following the long Easter weekend and ahead of a second four-day weekend to celebrate the Royal wedding and Mayday. [...]
FTSE falls below 6,000 level as Middle East woes weigh February 22, 2011 BRITAIN’S top share index closed lower yesterday as troubles in the Middle East clouded sentiment, but bumper consumer confidence figures from the US spurred a late rally and boosted commodity stocks. The FTSE 100 closed down 18.04 points or 0.3 per cent lower at 5,996.76, having finished at a two-week closing low on Monday. “The [...]