European stocks show resilience to China market fall September 7, 2015 European markets went up today, showing resilience to yet another decline on China's key index. The FTSE 100 closed 0.5 per cent higher at £60.75, while the Germany's Dax and France's Cac 40 rose 0.7 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively. Read more: China's stock market turmoil could spell bad news for London [...]
Bank’s decision to hold rates helps FTSE rise – London Report October 9, 2015 THE BANK of England’s decision yesterday to keep interest rates at record low levels contributed to rises in the blue-chip FTSE 100 index. A continuing surge in energy and mining shares also helped the index to maintain a run of rises. The FTSE 100 ended 0.6 per cent stronger at 6,374.82 points, outperforming major European [...]
Inflation data set to fuel debate over Bank rate increase – London Report August 16, 2015 SEVERAL data releases over the coming week will add more fuel to debates about interest rates hikes in the UK, with inflation figures being published. Tomorrow sees UK producer, retail and consumer prices index (PPI, RPI and CPI) inflation. Britain’s CPI inflation fell back to zero per cent annual and monthly growth in June, while [...]
FTSE lags European markets as commodities are hit again August 17, 2015 The FTSE 100 was the only European market not to make gains this morning, falling 0.25 per cent to 6,534 points, after China's decision to devalue its currency continued to hit commodities. The index was pulled down by Randgold Resources, BP and BHP Billiton, as well as Glencore, whose share price fell 0.64 per cent [...]
China woes and miners’ troubles weigh on index – London Report October 14, 2015 MIXED Chinese economic data and falls in mining shares weighed on the FTSE 100 yesterday. However, declines were mitigated somewhat by a surge in drinks group SABMiller following a new takeover proposal from rival AB InBev. The blue-chip index, which fell on Monday to end an eight-day winning run, was down 0.5 per cent at [...]
Return of the dividend: Growth might be muted in the UK, but foreign firms are paying out December 2, 2015 The UK has a very good track record when it comes to companies paying dividends. Businesses understand the importance of looking after shareholders, who in turn understand the value of either reinvesting those dividends (which account for two-thirds of total returns over the very long term) or using them to supplement an income. So it’s [...]
Joblessness data and retail figures focus of quiet week – London Report August 9, 2015 THE CORPORATE results season has past its peak, but the week ahead is due to see some big financial news nonetheless, including UK unemployment figures on Wednesday. Tomorrow retail sales data will be published, while on Friday construction industry output figures will be out. Prudential is reporting its half-year interims tomorrow after chief executive Tidjane [...]
Unilever and China weigh on FTSE but Randgold shines – London Report August 13, 2015 BRITAIN’S top share index was dragged lower yesterday by Unilever and mining companies after the fall in the value of China’s currency pulled down metal prices. The blue chip FTSE 100 index was down 1.4 per cent at 6,571.19p by the close, slightly outperforming other European equities. Consumer goods company Unilever shed 4.3 per cent [...]
Emerging market slowdown wipes £79bn off the value of Britain’s biggest firms November 4, 2015 One day after Standard Chartered’s “disappointing” third-quarter results sent the Asia-focused bank’s share price down nearly 10 per cent during trading, City A.M. analysis reveals that the slowdown in China and other emerging markets has wiped off around £79bn from some of Britain’s biggest businesses. Eight blue-chip companies have seen their combined market cap plummet by £78.7bn [...]
Seeking income: Three contrarian ideas for hunters, from Cyprus government bonds to energy companies November 19, 2015 Times have been tough for investors seeking regular income payments. Nearly all bond sectors have made losses for investors this year. Meanwhile, some of the companies which could once be relied upon for good dividend payments from their shares – such as Tesco and Glencore – have cut or scrapped them entirely. But specialist fund [...]