FTSE 100 remains in the green after Bank of England holds rates September 19, 2024 Traders had been concerned that the Fed had waited too long to cut interest rates, causing unnecessary damage to the US economy.
Ocado shares jump after firm hikes sales outlook on M&S joint venture September 19, 2024 Ocado shares jumped more than 10 per cent in early deals this morning after the company hiked its sales guidance. The retail arm of the London-listed group, Ocado Retail, a 50:50 joint venture between Ocado Group and Marks & Spencer Group, reported revenue growth of 15 per cent in the 13 weeks to 1 September [...]
Next upgrades guidance again as the company welcomes ‘new phase’ September 19, 2024 Retail industry bellweather Next has upgraded its guidance by £15m after sales and growth “exceed expectations”, while it vies for £1bn in profit. The retailer upgraded the profit guidance it issued on 1 August by £15m, to £995m, “as a result of the strength of our full price sales over the last six weeks”. This [...]
Close Brothers to sell asset management arm as motor finance bill looms September 19, 2024 Close Brothers' shares are down by around a third since the Financial Conduct Authority announced in January that it would review whether customers were overcharged via now-banned discretionary commission arrangements on car loans.
Why launch an AIM VCT now? First in 17 years debuts September 19, 2024 The first venture capital trust focused on the AIM market in 17 years has been launched by Puma, despite fears over the strength of London’s junior market. AIM stocks have not performed well in recent years, with its index falling 40 per cent over the last three years, compared to a 21 rise in the [...]
Starmer urged to build more homes in big cities and forge closer ties with EU to boost growth September 19, 2024 A report from the OBR last week made clear the potential fiscal benefits of generating economic growth.
Jeremy Hunt backs calls to abolish NHS England September 19, 2024 Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has backed calls to abolish NHS England amid a suite of reforms to how the service is managed. A new report from think tank Policy Exchange has argued for overhaul of NHS management structures, training and incentives to improve the system’s performance and productivity – as opposed to focusing on [...]
Big Four under pressure as government looks to slash £5.4bn consultant bill September 19, 2024 The UK government should review opportunities for further insourcing in management consultancy, a top think tank has urged, putting more pressure on the Big Four firms as Labour seeks to cut spending.
Cost still biggest ‘blocker’ of SAF uptake, says Biggin Hill airport boss September 19, 2024 Airlines are banking on SAF, a biofuel drawn from cooking oil, to hit looming green targets across Europe without cutting flights.
London Stock Exchange set to decline in coming years, FTSE boards warn September 19, 2024 Slightly more than half of FTSE 350 company boards believe the London Stock Exchange will decline in the coming years, according to a new survey, in a blow to the UK government's plans for capital markets reform.