FTSE down as investors look again at weak Eurozone data February 22, 2012 BRITAIN’S leading share index edged lower yesterday as investors refocused on fundamentals, specifically weaker-than-expected Eurozone data, with the Greek debt restructuring theatricals out of the way for now. Recession concerns increased after data showed the Eurozone’s service sector unexpectedly shrank in February, with Europe being Britain’s main market for its goods. “The FTSE ends the [...]
Whitbread still on track despite crunch December 13, 2011 SO Whitbread has finally caught the high street bug. After quarter after quarter of soaring like-for-likes, growth has slowed, as squeezed consumer spending filters down to its Premier Inn and Costa brands. It looks like the hotels have been hit hardest, with growth in revenue per room – a key measure of performance – all [...]
Arena says it is considering sale June 23, 2011 THE UK’s largest racecourse operator Arena Leisure yesterday confirmed it is considering a sale of the company. Last year billionaire property investors David and Simon Reuben raised their stake in Arena Leisure to a level just shy of 30 per cent, which was expected to trigger a takeover bid for the company. It is thought [...]
Predicting post-budget direction for sterling March 20, 2012 IG MARKETS CHRIS BEAUCHAMP Given that the Chancellor has engaged in the now obligatory routine of leaking almost the entire Budget ahead of the actual speech, there seems little chance of much excitement for sterling. A slight increase in UK growth forecasts from the Office for Budgetary Responsibility will be welcome news, but Osborne remains [...]
US manufacturing up but consumers remain wary July 1, 2011 US manufacturing growth picked up in June, a national index has shown, in a second day of positive data that points towards an end to the soft patch that has dogged the economy in recent months. A separate survey of consumer confidence showed it edged up in June, as fuel prices fell and eased the [...]
US debt fears cast shadow on stocks July 26, 2011 UK stocks crawled back into the black today as uncertainty over the US debt ceiling continued to cast a shadow over trading. Appetite for risk remained subdued amid a raft of corporate earnings and economic data showing US and UK economies still struggling to return to growth. The FTSE 100 closed just 0.08 per cent [...]
New car sales down 4.2pc December 6, 2011 New car sales fell by 4.2 per cent on the year in November to 134,027 units, although registrations may now beat an earlier forecast for this year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said on Tuesday. The SMMT said car registrations in the year to date were down 4.5 percent on the year at [...]
HMV hopeful for its survival as sales fall January 9, 2012 EMBATTLED music retailer HMV said sales of consumer gadgets such as headphones and tablet computers had helped improve its sales over the crucial Christmas trading period as the group attempted to offset the long-term decline in CDs and DVDs. Sales at stores open over a year fell 8.2 per cent in the five weeks to [...]
M&B expects to overcome tough conditions November 22, 2011 Restaurant and pub group Mitchells & Butlers has said it is confident it could overcome the tough consumer environment in 2012 after making a good start to its new financial year, helped by mild weather. The company, which rejected two bid approaches from billionaire currency trader Joe Lewis earlier this year, posted full-year adjusted pre-tax [...]
M&B expects to overcome tough conditions November 22, 2011 Restaurant and pub group Mitchells & Butlers has said it is confident it could overcome the tough consumer environment in 2012 after making a good start to its new financial year, helped by mild weather. The company, which rejected two bid approaches from billionaire currency trader Joe Lewis earlier this year, posted full-year adjusted pre-tax [...]