Aim-listed firms bouncing back: Alternative Investment Market companies have biggest quarter of takeover activity October 5, 2014 The London Stock Exchange’s market for smaller growing companies, the Alternative Investment Market, had its biggest quarter of takeover activity in over two years as Aim-listed firms become attractive takeover targets. According to the accountancy group UHY Hacker Young, the three months to the end of September saw 13 merger and acquisition deals involving Aim [...]
Finance firms see return to boom in 2014 October 5, 2014 FINANCE companies are enjoying their strongest expansion since 2007, with firms reporting rising business volumes, increased profitability and greater employment, according to survey results released today. The survey of 109 firms, conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers and the Confederation of British Industry, shows that 60 per cent of firms surveyed saw an increase in business [...]
Draghi’s lack of stimulus targets fails to impress October 2, 2014 THE EURO jumped in value against the dollar yesterday as European officials failed to specify the size of their asset purchases, disappointing investors hoping for a substantial programme to try to stimulate the economy. The European Central Bank (ECB) said its plan to purchase private debt would begin over the next three months and would [...]
Record boom in construction adds kick to economic growth October 2, 2014 CONSTRUCTION is booming, posting its strongest three-month expansion for 17 years and helping to fuel growth. That is according yesterday’s publication of the purchasing managers index (PMI) by Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, which scored 64.2 in September. This an increase from 64 in August as the survey measure stays well [...]
Americans set for September jobs recovery October 2, 2014 THE NUMBER of Americans entering new claims for unemployment benefit fell last week, according to figures published yesterday, indicating that today’s jobs figures could provide a significant rebound from a disappointing August. The data from the US Department of Labour shows initial claims for state unemployment drop by 8,000 to 287,000 last week. An improving labour [...]
Goldman and others invest in new tech firm Symphony October 1, 2014 Goldman Sachs has announced it is part of consortium investing $66m (£41m) in new company Symphony Communication Services as it develops Symphony, a new communications platform. The other 13 members of the consortium are some of the reputable names in finance including Black Rock, the world’s largest asset manager. Symphony will allow companies and individuals [...]
UK manufacturing catches a cold from Eurozone October 1, 2014 Britain’s strong recovery is under threat from the economic troubles in Europe, as data released yesterday showed the UK’s manufacturing sector continuing a sharp decline that began at the start of summer. The purchasing managers’ index compiled by Markit fell to 51.6 for September, below market expectations and a drop from August’s 52.2. Any figure [...]
Bank official Paul Fisher: Inflation nutters should not be allowed on MPC October 1, 2014 The Bank of England should not focus exclusively on hitting its inflation target, policymaker Paul Fisher said yesterday, arguing only “inflation nutters” would risk financial stability or economic growth for the sake of a minor adjustment in prices. Fisher said the Bank of England had a series of vital goals and must be able to balance [...]
Productivity growth puzzles economists October 1, 2014 PRODUCTIVITY in the UK remains weak as the fierce debate continues to rage over whether it is temporary or a sign of lasting damage to the economy. As measured by output per hour, productivity failed to grow from April to June compared with the previous three months, according to the Office for National Statistics. It was [...]
Weak Eurozone data puts focus on ECB decision on asset purchase programme October 1, 2014 September was a month to forget for the Eurozone as survey data released yesterday shows growth in the manufacturing sector was at a 14-month low over the month. The purchasing managers index (PMI) compiled by Markit scored a 50.3. A score above 50 indicates growth but this very weak growth suggests the Eurozone economy is [...]
