UK bond yields hit all-time low on coronavirus fears March 4, 2020 UK government bond yields have fallen to an all-time low after the economic threat of coronavirus led the US Federal Reserve to slash interest rates, a move traders increasingly think the Bank of England will copy. The yield on the 10-year UK Gilt touched 0.335 per cent this morning as investors rushed to buy one [...]
FTSE 100 rises as investors weigh coronavirus stimulus measures March 4, 2020 The FTSE 100 rose for a third consecutive day this morning, as traders in London weighed up the economic impact of coronavirus and digested news of yesterday’s emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. The blue-chip index got off to a jittery start, opening slightly higher before dropping into the red, but then recovered [...]
Sirius stock surges after Anglo American takeover approved March 4, 2020 Shares in embattled Sirius Minerals surged as markets opened after shareholders approved a controversial £405m takeover by mining giant Anglo American. Within minutes of the FTSE opening, Sirius’ stock had risen over 17 per cent as investors rushed to buy stock in the firm, which was rescued from potentially having to close its potash mine [...]
Asian stocks mixed after Fed rate cut fails to lift Wall Street March 4, 2020 Asian stocks posted a mixed day of trading overnight after Wall Street dropped in dramatic fashion despite an interest rate cut intended to give the economy a break from the coronavirus fallout. Japan’s Nikkei eked out a 0.08 per cent rise today but Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index slipped 0.12 per cent over the course [...]
Fuel prices fall on back of coronavirus crisis March 4, 2020 Coronavirus fears pushed prices lower on UK petrol station forecourts in February with some of the biggest reductions in diesel since 2000. According to data out today by the RAC, average UK unleaded petrol fell 2.93p to 124.02p a litre by 29 February, compared to 126.95 at the start of the month. Diesel also fell [...]
Sirius shareholders approve controversial Anglo American £405m takeover March 3, 2020 Investors have approved a controversial rescue bid by rival Anglo American for troubled mining firm Sirius Minerals. The meeting in London today approved the deal with 80.3 per cent of votes in favour and 19.7 per cent against. It will provide a saving grace for Sirius’ north Yorkshire mine, which was set to be closed [...]
Want to help Australia after the bushfires? March 3, 2020 | City Talk New extended working holiday visas for visitors to help with the recovery from the Australian bushfires If you’ve been shocked by the extensive devastation in Australia following the bushfires, you may be thinking about how you can help. When it seems like the rain will never stop in the UK, some time out travelling Australia [...]
FTSE 100 gains cool ahead of G7 coronavirus call March 3, 2020 The FTSE 100 index has risen for a second straight session this morning, as policymakers across the world indicated they would take measures to ease the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Britain’s blue-chip index rose as much as 2.21 per cent following the open, with traders taking their cue from a largely positive showing [...]
Bank of England expects to internal report on audio feed misuse in April March 3, 2020 The Bank of England expects an internal report into misuse of its audio feeds to go the bank’s directors in April, after it emerged that hedge funds were able to access a market-sensitive feed ahead of its official broadcast. Outgoing governor Mark Carney told the Treasury committee today that he expected the BoE’s court — [...]
How does the stock market perform when the VIX fear gauge surges? March 3, 2020 | City Talk The spread of the coronavirus has sent shock waves through global stock markets. Alongside plummeting share prices, the VIX index, the market’s so-called fear gauge, has shot up. At the time of writing, on 28 February, it stands at over 40. This is very high compared to long-term norms. Since 1990, it has averaged 19 [...]