Scottish independence could impact results says Centrica March 27, 2014 Energy giant Centrica has warned of the consequences of a yes vote in Scotland's independence referendum as well as political interference in the energy market. The company made the comments in its annual financial report for the year to 20 February 2014. In the event that Scotland became independent parts of Centrica's upstream assets would [...]
Atos quits fit to work contract a year early March 27, 2014 Atos is set to abandon its contract to deliver for work capability assesments a year earlier than planned. The company's £500m contract was set to end in August 2015. A new company will be appointed in the early part of 2015, while Atos will "not receive a single penny of compensation,"according to the disabilities minister [...]
Capital raised on London Stock Exchange rockets by 91pc March 27, 2014 The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has seen the amount of money raised on its markets rocket by 91 per cent to £28bn for the 11 months to February 2014. The rise provides yet more evidence of London's flotation flurry. New issues climbed from 107 to 109 for the period. Derivatives trading volumes also jumped by [...]
Ofgem confirms full energy market investigation March 27, 2014 British households may be paying too much for energy, according to regulator Ofgem. The energy sector has been referred to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The investigation could take between 18 and 24 months. Ofgem proposed that the CMA investigate the market to consider "once and for all" whether there are barriers to effective [...]
Asian markets rise as Ukraine rhetoric heats up March 27, 2014 Asian markets are experiencing a mild rise despite promises from the EU and the US to cooperate on preparing further sanctions against Russia in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Yesterday President Obama declared that "Russia stands alone" on the world stage and that it's actions must be "met with condemnation." Japanese markets are flat [...]
Why open borders should be the West’s peaceful response to Russian aggression March 26, 2014 Western nations have responded to Russia's annexation of Crimea with moral condemnation and a series of sanctions against individuals with close ties to the Kremlin. On 21 March, the EU extended visa restrictions to a further 12 individuals. Later today Barack Obama will meet with EU leaders to discuss a response to Russia's actions, after [...]
Lloyds shares plunge 5.8pc after second government stake sale March 26, 2014 Lloyds shares are down 5.8 per cent at 74.7p per share after the government's sale of a 7.8 per cent stake in the bank. The government sold 5.56bn Shares priced at 75.5p each, raising £4.2bn for the treasury. The government's holding in Lloyds has now been reduced to 24.9 per cent from 39 per cent [...]
Tui online bookings jump 8pc March 26, 2014 Tour operator Tui Travel has said it is confident on delivering a full-year performance in line its target of growth in underlying profit of seven to 10 per cent, according to the company's latest trading update. Tui saw a strong online performance particularly in Germany and the UK, with online booking up eight per cent [...]
Bellway profits soar as housing market gathers pace March 26, 2014 British housebuilder Bellway has reported a jump in profit before tax of 73 per cent to £103m for the half year ended 31 January 2014 – the highest ever achieved by the group in a first half trading period. Bellway said it had responded to strengthening conditions in the housing market across all regions by [...]
Asian markets jump after US consumer confidence reaches six-year high March 26, 2014 Asian markets are reacting to positively to data from the US showing consumer confidence at a six year high and house prices rising in January. Investors are still hoping the Chinese government may introduce stimulus measures to boost its sliding economy. Markets were buoyed by easing tensions over Ukraine as Western leaders continued to show [...]
