Astrazeneca explores $400bn megadeal with US rival August 3, 2026 Astrazeneca is exploring a $400bn (£300bn) merger with US rival Bristol Myers Squibb, in a deal that would create one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical groups. The FTSE 100 giant has held talks with the US group in recent months about a possible tie-up, according to reports in the Financial Times. Talks could lead to a [...]
Easyjet extends window for another Castlelake bid August 3, 2026 Easyjet has extended the window for another takeover bid from asset manager Castlelake after its offer was usurped by investment giant Apollo last month. The budget airline said on Monday that it was still set to recommend the Apollo deal to shareholders, which values its stock at £7.15 per share, but would extend Castlelake’s deadline [...]
As it happened: UK stocks cool after Astrazeneca drags; Trump and Iran clash over peace talks August 3, 2026 Welcome back to the City AM liveblog. The London stock market is starting the new week relatively mixed after Donald Trump hinted a deal between US and Iran on the Strait of Hormuz is near, but was contradicted by communication from Tehran. The US President has said that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran [...]
Iran war could ‘halt growth’ across UK economy August 3, 2026 The Iran war could “halt growth” in the UK economy as the success of Andy Burnham and John Healey’s economic management largely hinges on President Trump’s decision-making, a City firm has warned. Big Four consultancy EY has said that the UK economy could perform better than first expected this year as its growth forecast was [...]
City trading ‘higher than thought’, FCA believes August 2, 2026 Trading volumes in London are up to three times higher in value than thought after so-called “dark trading” is taken into account, the City regulator believes. Analysis by the Financial Conduct Authority believes that trading valuations are much higher as some traders opt to use non-official channels. This kind of business, referred to as “dark [...]
Healey revives ‘price-gouging’ threat as cost of living options narrow August 2, 2026 Chancellor John Healey has revived threats against retailers over profiteering as his cost of living options have narrowed due to problems facing the country’s public finances. Healey warned supermarkets that they would not be able to take Britons “for a ride” as the Treasury would closely monitor “any suggestion” that shoppers were suffering from large [...]
Trump suspends strikes amid new peace hopes August 2, 2026 President Trump has said the “perimeters of a deal” have been agreed with Iran, prompting him to call off strikes in the Middle East. The US president said that Iran and Gulf region countries had “asked” the US to suspend strikes due to the workings of a new peace deal. In a Truth Social post, [...]
Will Formula 1 need to refund sponsors for cancelled Middle East races? August 2, 2026 Anna Sowerby dissects what happens with sponsorship agreements when events, such as Formula 1 Grands Prix, are cancelled As we enjoy yet another blockbuster summer of sport, the current global landscape is a stark reminder of just how quickly situations can change and put events at risk of being cancelled. The obvious example being the [...]
FCA crypto crackdown will ‘wipe out’ bad actors, says Coinbase boss August 1, 2026 The financial watchdog’s clampdown on digital assets will remove bad actors and attract more customers, The UK boss of one of the world’s largest crypto platforms has said. Keith Grose, UK chief executive of Coinbase, said the rules outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) earlier this month will “wipe out” firms who do not [...]
Manchester United’s new stadium is a test of sports finance – but markets have a solution August 1, 2026 Manchester United’s proposed 100,000-seat stadium represents one of the largest sports infrastructure projects currently under consideration in Europe. The development is intended to become the centrepiece of a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area, combining a new sporting venue with commercial, residential and entertainment uses. For investors, however, the defining question will be less [...]