A positive start to the week expected June 14, 2009 THE FTSE ended last week pretty much where it started, and the rut that is the 4,400 to 4,500 range is becoming somewhat entrenched. This morning’s call is for a mildly positive start, with GFT quoting the FTSE 100 to open up 14 points at 4,456, with the momentum coming from US markets where a [...]
Picking profitable sectors is a new game, post-crunch June 14, 2009 BRITAIN is on the verge of economic recovery we heard last week, and investors’ confidence was boosted by improving data. The stock markets have been taking their cue from economics over recent weeks and further signs confirming a recovery could help lift the FTSE 100 above the current 4,500 resistance level that has proved somewhat [...]
EUROPE BANKS WEAKER THAN WAS THOUGHT June 14, 2009 JANE FOLEYRESEARCH DIRECTOR, FOREX.COMTHE American banking sector once again hogged the headlines last week, when 10 of the 19 banks that borrowed money from the US government under the Tarp plan were authorised to pay back a combined $68bn. The US government was quick to make the point that it (meaning the taxpayer and the [...]
THE TIPSTER June 14, 2009 AGGRESSIVE DISCOUNTING TO LIFT TESCOTHERE were rumours flying around the markets last week of a profit warning by Carrefour – the world’s second largest supermarket – but this side of the Channel, things in the grocery market are looking a lot rosier. Morrisons has been doing well, as has Sainsbury’s. But size does seem to [...]
Magritte & frites in Brussels June 14, 2009 IF it is known for anything, Brussels is probably most famous for its beer and frites. Either that, or the spectacular Grande Place, an ornate masterpiece designed to awe visiting merchants. Or the Manneken Pis, the statue of the urinating boy that stands close to the Grand Place. Or the Atomium, the strange construction in [...]
OTHER SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS June 14, 2009 Matisse, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, MadridUNTIL 20 SEPTEMBERwww.museothyssen.orgIn 1917 Matisse moved from Paris to Nice where he forged his unique style, of which this show is a celebration. It was a naturalistic, muted period that produced paintings “unjustly disparaged by avante-garde critics,”according to the museum’s artistic director. Highlights of this 70-work strong show include the intimate and [...]
Bringing the glamour back to poker June 14, 2009 MOST of the headlines in the City over the past few months have tended to focus on redundancies and doom, with an added dash of gloom. It’s all too easy to assume that the Square Mile’s top earners have handed over the keys to their Ferraris and are searching hopelessly through the jobs pages. But [...]
Lighten up this summer June 14, 2009 IT’S summer in the City, which means months of stuffy, sweaty Tube trains on the one hand, and jolly days out to cricket and polo matches, racing meets and garden parties on the other. You’ve got to be able to dress appropriately, which for gents means dispensing with the thick woollen suit you’ve worn all [...]
Ace Murray crowned king of Queen’s to end 71-year wait June 14, 2009 ANDY MURRAY was last night facing up to the wave of expectancy that will come his way after etching his name in British tennis history yesterday. The 22-year-old Scot completed a stylish 7-5, 6-4 victory over American James Blake to claim a first grass-court success at the Aegon Championship and become the first home-grown champion [...]
Wing star Monye ready to make Lions Test bow June 14, 2009 ENGLAND winger Ugo Monye insists he is “100 per cent ready” should he be chosen to make his British Lions Test debut against South Africa on Saturday. The Harlequins ace has been in flying form for the Lions on their unbeaten tour so far, and is favourite to claim the left-wing spot for Saturday’s first [...]