German morale slides as sovereign debt fears weigh May 25, 2011 GERMAN consumer confidence slipped for the third consecutive month in May, it emerged yesterday. The highly-regarded GfK indicator fell to 5.5 from 5.7 in April. Sentiment has been hit by the ongoing sovereign debt crisis in Greece, as well as high energy prices. “This shows that commodity-driven inflation is probably the main threat for the [...]
FTSE climbs as investors pile into financial stocks June 28, 2011 FINANCIAL stocks helped Britain’s top share index climb yesterday as hopes of a resolution to Greece’s debt problems spurred appetite for riskier assets. Banks were in demand, led by part state-owned Royal Bank of Scotland as investors bet the Greek parliament will this week vote through austerity measures needed to secure more aid from international [...]
Summer feel-good factor sees morale soar on high street June 14, 2011 SUMMER’S feel-good factor saw consumer confidence bounce back last month, a Nationwide survey revealed today. The leading barometer of morale on the British high street jumped 11 points, from 44 in April to 55 in May. “Despite recording one of the biggest monthly jumps ever, the index still sits nine points lower than the same [...]
Last German spurt as the economy slows into 2012 November 24, 2011 GERMAN business confidence rose in November, defying economists’ predictions that the economy was weakening rapidly, the IFO business index revealed yesterday. The Federal Statistical Office also confirmed that GDP grew at a healthy 0.5 per cent in the third quarter, boosted by strong consumer spending. However, the economy is set to be hit by falling [...]
Ashley in line for a Sports Direct bonus December 15, 2011 SPORT DIRECT’s majority owner Mike Ashley could be in line for a £12m shares windfall if the sporting goods retailer meets a series of targets over the next four years. Under new proposals Ashley, who currently receives no pay for his role as executive deputy chairman, stands to be granted 6m shares if the group [...]
Ladbrokes seals £540m debt deal with banks December 2, 2011 Ladbrokes, Britain’s second-biggest bookmaker, said it had agreed a new five-year, £540m debt facility with its banks. Ladbrokes, which has 2,100 betting shops in the UK, said the new facility would mature in 2016 and replaces its existing £560m facility that was due to mature in 2013. The company estimates that the new blended rate [...]
Ladbrokes seals £540m debt deal with banks December 2, 2011 Ladbrokes, Britain’s second-biggest bookmaker, said it had agreed a new five-year, £540m debt facility with its banks. Ladbrokes, which has 2,100 betting shops in the UK, said the new facility would mature in 2016 and replaces its existing £560m facility that was due to mature in 2013. The company estimates that the new blended rate [...]
Sports Direct to hit profit forecast December 15, 2011 Sports Direct, Britain’s biggest sporting goods retailer, posted a two per cent rise in first-half profit and said it was on track to meet its target for the year. The firm, controlled by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, said it was confident of reaching its full year target for underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation [...]
Sports Direct to hit profit forecast December 15, 2011 Sports Direct, Britain’s biggest sporting goods retailer, posted a two per cent rise in first-half profit and said it was on track to meet its target for the year. The firm, controlled by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, said it was confident of reaching its full year target for underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation [...]
Lookers warns on confidence May 12, 2011 New and used car dealer, Lookers, said trading in the first quarter was ahead of budget but poor consumer confidence was hitting business. It warned new car sales were well down on last year, when the scrappage scheme was in its last month. Lookers said the UK new car retail market was down by 18 [...]