Cross-border lending jumps September 14, 2014 BANKS have increased their cross-border lending substantially for the first time since 2011, indicating that confidence is flooding back into markets. The Bank of International Settlements said yesterday that cross-border loans rose $580bn (£356.6bn) in the first quarter of 2014. The increase occurred across all markets, and emerging markets recorded a rise of $188bn in [...]
Sweden to turn left after poll September 14, 2014 A COALITION of three opposition centre-left parties appeared to be on course to form the largest bloc in Sweden’s parliament after yesterday’s general election. However, although the bloc overtook the governing centre-right coalition, it fell short of an absolute majority. The opposition of Social Democrats, Greens and Left Party would win 160 seats in the [...]
Party leaders urged to rebalance the economy September 14, 2014 BRITAIN’S political leaders are being urged by manufacturers to back policies that will rebalance the UK’s economy, following a YouGov poll suggesting strong support for such a move from voters. EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation’s call follows new research confirming widespread support for industry’s demands for better-balanced growth. According to the YouGov poll, 63 per cent [...]
Strong year for City flotations September 14, 2014 LONDON’S listings market is bouncing back to pre-recession highs, as an increasing number of companies make their debut on the London Stock Exchange. Research by Capita Asset Services forecasts main market initial public offerings (IPOs) are likely to be worth £11.7bn this year, smashing the £8.7bn figure in 2011 that was largely raised by the [...]
IG Group takes aim at incumbents with online stockbroking service September 14, 2014 SPREADBETTING firm IG Group is taking aim at Hargreaves Lansdown and Barclays Stockbrokers with the launch of an online stockbroking service today. IG, founded 40 years and with a majority of the market, has spent between £2.5m to £3m developing the service over the past two years in a bid to crack the lucrative market. [...]
Miner Mick Davis gets First Avenue on board to build $4bn war chest September 14, 2014 Mining magnate Mick Davis is believed to have hired more advisers as he looks to build on his $4bn (£2.5bn) funds while hunting assets for his new mining company. Davis has been working to build up funds since setting up X2 Resources following the sale of Xstrata to Glencore for $27bn last year. Now, in [...]
Warburg Pincus considering sale of Survitec September 14, 2014 Private equity firm Warburg Pincus is thought to be looking to sell UK-based safety and survival equipment business Survitec. The manufacturer of survival gear in the marine, defence and aerospace sectors produces a wide range of kit, from life rafts to fighter pilots’ anti-G suits.
Dealmakers thrive in City’s flotation frenzy September 14, 2014 DEALMAKER of the year Although there has been a dearth of mergers and acquisitions so far this year, there has been a rash of initial public offerings (IPOs) for our dealmakers to get their teeth into. There has been some exciting deals for bankers to get a buzz from. Verizon Wireless’ $130bn deal to take [...]
Undercover Rupert Murdoch hits Scottish streets ahead of independence referendum September 14, 2014 If you were north of the border over the weekend breathing in Scotland’s febrile political atmosphere you may have been standing side-by-side with none other than Rupert Murdoch. But you may not have known it. According to a tweet by the media tycoon, he went undercover for a true Scots experience. We’re [...]
Popcorn maker to bubble up in China September 14, 2014 What started out as a kitchen cookery experiment by a 52-year-old retiree has just morphed into China’s next big snack trend. Joe & Seph’s, a gourmet popcorn maker founded by Joseph Sopher, has just signed a deal to be sold in supermarkets throughout Beijing and Shanghai. No word on cinemas yet though.