Warren Buffet rates Breaking Bad A+ October 3, 2013 Investment sage Warren Buffett has rated the finale of television show Breaking Bad as A+, reports CNBC. He said that it's the best written thing he's ever seen. The guru and holder of the fourth spot on the Forbes Rich List is a well known fan of the show, created by Vince Gilligan. He's previously [...]
Citi upgrades Blackberry despite uncertainty over Fairfax buyout and declining market share October 3, 2013 Someone out there is still optimistic about Blackberry – just not about the takeover planned by Fairfax Financial Holdings. Citi analyst Jim Suva has raised his price target for Blackberry stock to $9, and the rating of the tech company is now "neutral" from "sell". That same analyst has cut his net loss estimate for [...]
FCA compensation for victims of 2008 deposit failures October 3, 2013 Large unincorporated associations may be eligible for compensation following 2008 deposit failures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Groups such as charities, clubs or societies, that were not given assistance following the collapse of Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander Bank and Landsbanki Island in 2008, could now get payoffs from the regulator. Up to £50,000 may [...]
Vodafone finance chief to leave as Verizon deal completes October 3, 2013 Andy Halford, the group chief financial officer (CFO) of telecoms giant Vodafone has announced that after nine years on the job he'll be leaving at the end of March 2014. Halford said that it "has been a privilege to work for one of the greatest businesses of our era for almost half of its life" [...]
“Sell” rating for Alcoa as aluminium prices fall October 3, 2013 Deutsche Bank has downgraded its rating on Alcoa's stock from "hold" to "sell", citing lower aluminium prices over the last two quarters as the reason for doing so. Thing aren't boding too well for the world's third largest producer of aluminium, which has 40 per cent of its revenue accounted for by primary metals business. [...]
1 in 5 adults smoke in the UK says ONS October 3, 2013 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released its findings from the integrated household survey from January to December 2012. (Release) Amongst the findings were that Scotland and the north of England have the highest proportion of smokers as compared to London and the South East which have the lowest. A total of 20 per [...]
Good news for Eurozone retail as August comes in above expectations October 3, 2013 Eurozone retail sales have beaten expectations, coming in at 0.7 per cent for August after expectations that July's 0.5 per cent increase would fall to 0.2 per cent. Year-on-year, figures are still down 0.3 per cent, but this is up on expectations which expected a -1.5 per cent outcome for August, from July's -0.7 per [...]
Number of businesses rises by 18,000 says ONS October 3, 2013 The ONS has released its figures for UK business activity, size and location for the year March 2012 to March 2013. The number of VAT and PAYE businesses is estimated to have risen by 18,000 or 0.9 per cent. This represents a slower growth as compared to the 1.8 per cent rise or 37,000 seen [...]
UK service sector growth slows slightly but still strong at 60.3 October 3, 2013 The UK services sector is still expanding in September, with a strong PMI reading of 60.3. Although in line with expectations this is a bit of a slowdown from August's reading of 60.5. The sector's strong performance marked the end of the best quarter since Q2 1997, with analysts estimating UK economic growth for the [...]
Mixed results for William Hill – Sportsbook strong but weak retail October 3, 2013 William Hill has announced growth in key areas, led largely by Sportsbook going from strength to strength, but retail results look weak. (Release) The betting firm has reported 42 per cent growth in Sportsbook wagers in the 13 weeks ending 1 October, with football Sportsbook wagering up 49 per cent and mobile wagering on Sportsbook [...]