UK economy is set to expand further in 2015 March 4, 2015 The UK’S growth outlook has been boosted by a strong survey of service sector firms. The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) published yesterday by Markit fell to a score 56.7 for February from January’s 57.2. Despite the drop, the figure is consistent with strong growth in the sector. A score above 50 signifies growth, with higher [...]
Eurozone on the road to growth as service sector picks up pace March 4, 2015 THE EUROZONE’S dominant service sector is expanding at its fastest rate since July, new survey data shows. The service sector purchasing managers’ index (PMI) published yesterday by Markit climbed to a score of 53.7 for February from January’s 52.7. A score above 50 implies growth, with higher numbers marking faster growth. France’s PMI jumped to [...]
India cuts rates despite Modi’s looser budget March 4, 2015 INDIA’S central bank yesterday made an unexpected cut to interest rates for the second time this year. Rates were cut to 7.5 per cent from 7.75 per cent. After the bank’s last meeting in February, it said it would likely cut rates further if the government planned to cut spending. Over the weekend, Narendra Modi’s [...]
Ad cash key to ITV’s fifth year of strong profits March 4, 2015 SHARES in ITV leapt 5.7 per cent yesterday, as investors celebrated the fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth with pre-tax profits up almost 40 per cent. The television company was boosted by a six per cent increase in net revenues from advertising. cashing in on hits such as Downton Abbey and Dancing on Ice. Despite [...]
Greggs has its cake and eats it with a 41pc surge in earnings March 4, 2015 IT’S BEEN a tasty year for Greggs as full-year, pre-tax profit jumped 41 per cent to £58.3m on sales of £804m, a rise of 5.5 per cent, it announced yesterday. The baker, which has 1,650 stores across the UK, said like-for-like store sales for the year ending 1 January grew 4.5 per cent in comparison to [...]
Rangers shares suspended as adviser quits March 4, 2015 FALLEN Scottish footballing giants Rangers yesterday saw trading in its shares on the Aim market suspended after the resignation of the club’s nominated adviser (nomad) WH Ireland. Unless the Championship club appoints a new nomad within a month Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) will be removed from the exchange. WH Ireland was RIFC’s fourth nomad [...]
City spin legend Brian Basham lands a top job March 4, 2015 Financial markets website ADVFN has called in a man of many talents UK FINANCIAL market information specialist ADVFN yesterday appointed veteran City journalist, PR guru and small business patron Brian Basham as a non-executive director. Best known for his spell as the PR adviser to British Airways during its “dirty tricks” war of words with [...]
Carillion targets public sector March 4, 2015 Support services company Carillion yesterday said it will target the public sector to drive growth in its business in the coming year, after reporting full-year underlying profit in line with expectations. The firm, which has won £10bn of work in the past two years, said it planned to focus on opportunities offered by Britain’s defence [...]
Melrose raises its dividend March 4, 2015 Shareholders in Melrose Industries have been rewarded with a healthy dividend increase despite taking a hit from currency headwinds last year. The UK engineering turnaround specialist has proposed a final dividend of 5.3p a share, taking the full-year payout to 8.1p, a five per cent increase on the previous year. It unveiled an 11 per [...]
Arsenal and Fulham fans have best reputation as Londoners vote down Chelsea and Millwall March 4, 2015 Arsenal fans are seen as the most gentle by Londoners followed closely by Fulham, a new poll shows. Polling company YouGov has released a survey examining how Londoners rate the fans of the capital’s top football clubs and it was fans of the Gooners who came out on top, followed by their south west rivals. [...]
