Ukraine raises over £200m in war bonds to fuel military defence March 2, 2022 Ukraine has raised $270m (£202.5m) in war bonds to fuel its military defence, as Russia continues its invasion of the country. The capital “will be used to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to ensure the uninterrupted provision of the state’s financial needs under the war,” Ukraine’s ministry of finance wrote [...]
Trafigura freezes Russian investments and reviews options for Vostok oil stake March 2, 2022 Trafigura has revealed it has frozen its Russian investments, and is reviewing its 10 per cent stake in Kremlin-backed project Vostok Oil.
Starmer calls on PM to sanction ‘every Russian oligarch’ with UK assets March 2, 2022 Sir Keir Starmer has called on Boris Johnson to sanction “every oligarch and crack open every shell company” to shut out dirty Russian money from the UK. The Labour leader said Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich should in particular be targeted immediately, along with former Russian deputy PM Igor Shuvalov who has properties worth more than [...]
China as peacemaker? Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pulls Beijing’s position into question March 2, 2022 China’s foreign minister has said today that it is “concerned about the damage done to civilians” in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, pulling Beijing’s position on the war into question. Six days into the conflict, Russian president Vladimir Putin has been accused of war crimes for indiscriminately targeting civilians, residential areas and hospitals. Speaking to his [...]
Fitbit recalls more than a million smartwatches amid burn injuries March 2, 2022 Fitbit has recalled more than a million of its Ionic smartwatches after reports that some users are being burned from overheating batteries. The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that Google-backed Fitbit had received at least 115 reports in the United States and 59 from abroad about the issue. “These incidents are very [...]
Minister throws support behind new £95m fund targetting UK software March 2, 2022 Venture capital firm Sure Valley Ventures has won the support of ministers today with a new £95m fund backed by state-owned British Business Bank, as it looks to target high growth software firms across the UK.
Gold – the only “safe haven” asset? March 2, 2022 The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had many consequences – first and foremost is its devastating humanitarian impact. While we cannot lose sight of how many millions of people are affected, as investors we are conscious that this is a time of great uncertainty. Schroders’ live blog on the Ukraine crisis will be updated regularly [...]
Vertu Motors upgrades trading performance following automotive tailwinds March 2, 2022 UK automotive retailer Vertu Motors has upgraded its trading performance for the year ended 28 February, as it continues to benefit from used and new cars’ gross margins. In a trading update published today, the group said it expected the adjusted profit before tax to be “not less than £75m,” after it delivered a significant [...]
Petrol prices spike to record £1.55 as oil markets rally amid supply shortage fears March 2, 2022 Petrol prices have broken records again amid concerns of oil supply shortages following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Grant Thornton cuts ties with Russian member firm that audits Russia’s Central Bank and Gazprom March 2, 2022 Grant Thornton has cut ties with its Russian member business, FBK, in response to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The London headquartered consultancy said its Russian member business, FBK, would be leaving Grant Thornton’s international network with immediate effect. Grant Thornton’s decision to cut ties with Moscow headquartered consultancy FBK will in effect see the firm [...]
