EU update on securities rules nears December 4, 2013 Updates to the European Union’s strictures on securities trading were being finalised in meetings yesterday, before the European Parliament decides on the changes. Alterations on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) are currently being finished off, bringing prolonged negotiations about the regulations to an end. The directive was implemented in 2007, and the round [...]
Hayman Capital buys GM stake December 4, 2013 Hedge fund Hayman Capital has taken a stake in General Motors and believes the US carmaker’s stock could rise more than 40 per cent over the next 12-18 months after the US Treasury sells its stake in the company, a source familiar with investment said yesterday. Hayman Capital’s move into GM comes as the US [...]
Inside Track: It’s about time the City’s watchdog got its act together December 4, 2013 WERE British banks engaged in a corrupt pact to bankrupt struggling business customers? The evidence from dossiers compiled by the businessmen Lawrence Tomlinson and Neil Mitchell is superficially shocking, although as yet inconclusive. Anecdotal evidence that Royal Bank of Scotland’s global restructuring group has nudged clients into administration when alternative outcomes were achievable have circulated [...]
Royal Mail deal ends strike fear December 4, 2013 ROYAL Mail said yesterday it had reached an agreement in principle with union members on pay and pensions, removing the risk of a strike taking place during the company’s busy Christmas period. The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents Royal Mail staff, had at one point threatened to strike after talks faltered. “The CWU has [...]
It’s time for big Budget’s little brother December 4, 2013 WELCOME to the lighter side of the Autumn Statement. For those who aren’t satisfied simply listening to Osborne talk tax – this is the page for you. We’ll make sure you get the most out of the 45 minute speech. Or will it be 50 minutes? Or 55.5?. Hopefully, depending on what time you’ve picked [...]
Dabbers at the ready, how many of these can you hear? Eyes down for a full house (of Commons)… December 4, 2013 AUTUMN STATEMENT BINGO “Squeezed middle” Not a reference to Osborne’s waistline… “Pasty” The baked snack targeted for tax until Osborne did a U-turn “Smoke and mirrors” Something Osborne has been accused of “Free school meals” …but costly to taxpayers and a Clegg victory “Lola” Osborne’s new Bichon Frise puppy as seen on Twitter “China” The [...]
Six facts about the Autumn Statement December 4, 2013 1 IT’S not actually in Autumn. In fact it’s in winter. It used to be in November, sort of justifying its title, but since 2003 it has taken place in December. 2 But it’s a bit more catchy than the Pre-Budget Report – Labour’s rather uncreative moniker. 3 Unlike during the Budget, the chancellor does [...]
Brand Index: Time is money for the National Lottery’s ad campaign December 4, 2013 TWO months ago we saw the start of the biggest marketing campaign for the National Lottery since its launch in 1994, coinciding with arguably the biggest change to the game – a doubling of the ticket price. But how has this change affected the Lottery, and what has been the impact of the campaign itself? [...]
Brewin Dolphin adds to funds and lifts margin December 4, 2013 BREWIN Dolphin’s funds swelled in the last year while restructuring costs chipped away at profits, as the firm worked on its mission to become a more profitable wealth manager. The company, which sold its stockbroking arm two years ago to focus on funds, said its total managed funds rose 8.9 per cent to £28.2bn in [...]
Phone network Three scraps its roaming fees in four countries December 4, 2013 THREE, the UK’s fourth largest mobile operator, announced yesterday that it has dropped roaming charges from four more countries including the US. The operator previously eliminated roaming charges in seven countries including the Republic of Ireland, Australia and Italy in August, and yesterday’s announcement increases the total number of countries to 11. “Our focus is [...]
