Federal Reserve keeps interest rates near zero but hints at hike in the near future April 29, 2015 Following its two-day policy meeting, the Federal Reserve has confirmed it is keeping its target interest rate at close to zero per cent, but says it will raise it soon if the US economy continues to grow. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the US central bank has kept its rates at a record low in [...]
Twitter’s share price just fell another five per cent April 29, 2015 Another bad day for Twitter, after its share price fell more than five per cent to $39 in mid-morning trading in New York. More on this story: Twitter shares plummet as results are leaked early That follows a massive fall yesterday, after its results (which weren't great) were leaked early on Twitter's investor relations site [...]
Pimco just hired former Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke as its adviser April 29, 2015 Pimco has appointed former US Fed chief Ben Bernanke – the second consulting job Bernanke has taken in the past couple of weeks. Bernanke will "contribute his economic expertise and insights to the firm's investment process and periodically engage Pimco's clients", the investment manager said today. Pimco chief executive Douglas Hodge said Pimco said Bernanke's [...]
Retail sales unexpectedly slip but next month could be mega April 29, 2015 Retail sales unexpectedly slowed in the year to April, but retailers are gearing up for a sharp rise next month, with expectations hitting the highest level since May last year. The latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey of 122 firms showed 30 per cent said retail sales were up on a year ago, while 18 per [...]
Ryanair’s been hacked for millions via Chinese bank April 29, 2015 Ryanair has been targeted by hackers who have stolen nearly $5m (£3.25m) from the airline's bank account. The cash was taken from the budget airline by electronic transfer via a Chinese bank, the Irish Times reports. Ireland's Criminal Assets Bureau is investigating the crime, which took place last week, and is working with authorities in [...]
Next share price edges higher following sales jump April 29, 2015 The figures Next's share price edged slightly higher by more than three per cent this morning, after the company reported batter-than-expected sales in the past three months thanks to temperate winter and spring weather. Full price sales rose 3.2 per cent in the period, beating the zero to three per cent rise the company itself forecast [...]
Only 43 homes listed for sale in London are “affordable” for the average family April 29, 2015 Just 43 homes listed for sale in London are classified as "affordable" to the average family, new research has suggested. That's 0.1 per cent of the market – and it includes houseboats and a mobile home. The study, by housing charity Shelter, found 34 of those properties has "incorrect information" in their listings, were likely [...]
Endurance International hits back at Gotham City claims April 29, 2015 Endurance International Group – the Nasdaq-listed firm that was targeted yesterday by short seller Gotham City – has dismissed its claims as “baseless and not rooted in reality”. Yesterday the shadowy analyst firm identified EIGI as a company “that gets us as excited as Quindell and Gowex did”, putting a zero-dollar price target on [...]
TSB profit rockets 153pc on last quarter April 29, 2015 The figures Profit before tax at TSB jumped 153 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the last quarter of 2014, to £34.2m. That said, on the same quarter last year, profits fell 27 per cent – down from £47m. That reflected higher costs, partially offset by continued improvement in impairment losses, the bank said. The [...]
Greggs share price edges up as it serves up £20m special dividend April 29, 2015 The figures Proof of the might of the humble sausage roll: bakery chain Greggs said like-for-like sales rose 5.9 per cent in the first 16 weeks of the year, up from 3.8 per cent during the same time last year. It's completed 69 shop refurbishment, and plans to refit a total of 200 to 220 stores this year. It also opened 24 new [...]