3 reasons why gold prices could bounce by the end of the year December 11, 2013 Gold prices could see a rally of about five per cent before the end of 2013, according to the chief executive of Compass Global Markets, Andrew Su. Sparking to CNBC, Su said that when a market becomes overly bearish, for him, it's a clear signal to buy – and this is the current case with [...]
As Barclays backs out of bike deal, here are 4 ways TfL can attract greater sponsorship December 11, 2013 In the wake of the announcement that Barclays will not renew its sponsorship of the London bike hire scheme, here are four ways that Transport for London (TfL) could attract greater commercial investment. 1. TfL should be more active in seeking sponsorship In a report for GLA Conservatives, Gareth Bacon suggested TfL should be more [...]
FCA whacks Lloyds with record £28m fine December 11, 2013 City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has slapped Lloyds Bank with a £28m fine "for serious failings in their controls over sales incentive schemes". This is the largest fine ever imposed by the regulator or its predecessor, the Financial Services Authority. The failings affected branches of Lloyds TSB, Bank of Scotland and Halifax, it [...]
Stagecoach is uniquely successful in the US. Here’s why December 11, 2013 US markets are often seen as the place British businesses go to die. That makes Stagecoach's transatlantic success something of a surprise. The FTSE 250 listed company operates around 2,600 buses and coaches in the United States and Canada, linking roughly 100 locations, as well as offering commuter and school bus services. And while Stagecoach [...]
Government climate change adviser embraces dash for gas December 11, 2013 Britain should embrace fracking to provide a secure source of energy without destroying the environment, according to the chairman of the committee on climate change. Lord Deben, speaking to the Times said: It just isn't true that fracking is going to destroy the environment and the world is going to come to an end if [...]
What you need to know before the open – 11/12 December 11, 2013 A subdued start to trading today, with the US remaining in focus. Equity markets and the dollar have both been retreating, as the possibility of a taper next week weighs on investors' minds. On Monday, several US policymakers suggested that a trimming back of the government's $85bn-a-month bond purchases could be closer than has been [...]
The queen of Motown December 10, 2013 GENERAL Motors named Mary Barra as its next chief executive yesterday, making her the first woman to hold the top job in the firm’s 105-year history and one of the most powerful female figures in global business. Barra is currently a senior vice president at GM, responsible for global product development. She will replace current [...]
A self-reflective day December 10, 2013 WORLD leaders gathered alongside members of the South African public yesterday to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela – but the event was somewhat overshadowed by a photo of David Cameron, Barack Obama and Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt taking a selfie in the stands (left). President Barack Obama earlier led tributes to Mandela at the service in [...]
UK banks get break from Volcker’s toughest plans December 10, 2013 BRITISH banks with US arms will be allowed to trade in UK government bonds on their own books, US authorities revealed yesterday, diluting earlier plans to ban the transactions. The incoming Volcker Rule is designed to stop banks trading on their own behalf on many financial markets, in a bid to stop what critics believe [...]
What the other papers say this morning – 11 December 2013 December 10, 2013 FINANCIAL TIMES First Group attacked by US activist FirstGroup, the UK bus and rail operator, is under attack from one of its biggest shareholders, which has called for the sale of its US businesses to pay down debt. Sandell Asset Management, a hedge fund with a stake of about three per cent, has written to [...]