Six things we will get more of when RDR is introduced July 13, 2011 WHETHER investors are aware of it or not, the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) will shake up investing. Expect more regulation, professionalism, transparency, low-cost investments and investment trusts – but you should also assume we will get some unforeseen outcomes. 1. REGULATION Even though it is soon to be abolished, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) is [...]
Six things we will get more of when RDR is introduced July 13, 2011 WHETHER investors are aware of it or not, the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) will shake up investing. Expect more regulation, professionalism, transparency, low-cost investments and investment trusts – but you should also assume we will get some unforeseen outcomes. 1. REGULATION Even though it is soon to be abolished, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) is [...]
Punch plans a review as its earnings sink October 12, 2010 Drinkers staying at home, higher taxes and the smoking ban in pubs hit profits at Punch Taverns, prompting Britain’s biggest pub group to yesterday announce an overhaul of the business. Punch said pre-tax profits in the 52 weeks to 21 August slipped to £131m from £160m a year ago as spending cuts and tax rises [...]
Porridge helps Pret a Manger stay hot March 29, 2011 Sandwich chain Pret a Manger has said sales of hot food such as porridge were helping it to thrive in tough consumer environment as it posted a 37 per cent rise in its 2010 core earnings. The chain, majority owned by private equity firm Bridgepoint , said it planned to open more than 30 shops [...]
Reduced real income will hit retail October 24, 2010 RETAIL sales fell in September for the second month in a row. Real incomes are suffering and consumer confidence is weak. Some are questioning whether Apple’s disappointing iPad sales figures last week are a sign of things to come. So should spread betters take the hint and shun the sector? Demand certainly looks like it [...]
Reduced real income will hit retail October 24, 2010 RETAIL sales fell in September for the second month in a row. Real incomes are suffering and consumer confidence is weak. Some are questioning whether Apple’s disappointing iPad sales figures last week are a sign of things to come. So should spread betters take the hint and shun the sector? Demand certainly looks like it [...]
US remains downbeat on economy September 28, 2010 US CONSUMER confidence fell to its lowest level since February in September, underscoring lingering worries about the strength of the economic recovery, while home prices dipped in July. The Conference Board’s index of consumer attitudes fell to 48.5 in September from a revised 53.2 in August, hit by a weak labour market and business conditions. [...]
Obama speech fails to prop up markets August 30, 2010 US STOCKS accelerated declines yesterday after comments from US President Barack Obama did little to soothe investors anxious over the slowing pace of the recovery. Obama said he and his economic team discussed additional steps to promote economic growth, including looking at tax cuts for businesses. Stocks had been trading lower prior to the comments [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: HOW HAS MORRISONS DONE IN ITS FIRST SET OF RESULTS UNDER NEW BOSS DALTON PHILIPS September 9, 2010 SAM HART | CHARLES STANLEY New chief executive, Dalton Philips, came across very well on his first outing in front of the analyst community. His strategic update highlighted a number of opportunities to drive the top line and improve operational efficiency. We expect Morrison to deliver low double-digit growth in underlying JONATHAN JACKSON | KILLIK [...]
Nando’s to buy burger chain for £30m September 17, 2010 The UK arm of chicken restaurant chain Nando’s has confirmed that it has agreed a £30m deal to buy a rival firm. It plans to take over Clapham House Group, the company behind Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) and The Real Greek. Nando’s said that Clapham’s brands were struggling in the volatile market and needed its [...]