FTSE 100 opens flat despite Standard Chartered’s share price plummeting after announcing 15,000 job cuts November 3, 2015 The FTSE 100 opened flat this morning, after finishing yesterday's session in the same manner. The UK's top blue chip index rose 0.13 per cent to 6,370 points on opening, but fell back to 0.04 per cent down at 6,359 points after five minutes. Standard Chartered's shares were down just over six per cent as the market [...]
Profits and revenue fall at Primark’s parent company Associated British Foods – but will still pay a dividend November 3, 2015 Primark parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) has said it will still pay a dividend, despite falls in both profit and revenue for the year to 12 September. The figures Adjusted operating profit was down six per cent in real terms, or four per cent on a constant currency basis, to £1.09bn, while group revenue [...]
Reiss to ramp up expansion overseas after doubling full-year profits October 19, 2015 Family-owned fashion retailer Reiss has said it plans to ramp up expansion overseas next year by adding 40 new stores, after it revealed record sales and profits. The upmarket high street brand, a favourite with royals and celebrities including the Duchess of Cambridge and Olivia Palermo, said strong growth through its website and existing stores help drive a [...]
Responsible investing: Do bonds that make the world a better place fit into your portfolio? October 1, 2015 When the return on traditional bonds is so low, why not invest in ones that make society better? The UK was once home to a thriving social bond market, where investors of all stripes clubbed together to fund socially beneficial projects. The 1960s was the heyday of loaning money to local authorities, and in [...]
Best of the Brokers for 17 September 2015 September 17, 2015 To appear in Best of the Brokers, email your research to notes@cityam.com ASOS Berenberg reiterated its “buy” rating on the online retailer, and reduced its target price from 4,700p to 4,100p. The broker said that while currency headwinds are a near-term concern, a strong pound is factored into management guidance, and “the increasing utilisation of [...]
Primark opens first US store in central Boston September 11, 2015 Retail giant Primark has taken its first step into the US market, with plans to launch a total of eight stores in the region over coming months. The group opened its flagship store in Boston yesterday, having previously opened a distribution centre in Pennsylvania last week. “We have chosen the ideal location for our north [...]
Primark launches in Boston: Will the Irish retailer’s dream become a reality? September 10, 2015 In a bid to turn Primark into a global brand, the company is finally stepping out of its Western Europe comfort zone and making its American debut with its first store launch today (10 September) in Boston. Other leading European brands such as H&M and Topshop entered the US with stores in New York [...]
Glencore pulls FTSE up on back of debt scheme – London Report September 8, 2015 BRITAIN’S top share index rose yesterday, led into positive territory by Glencore after the mining and commodities trading firm announced a plan to cut billions of dollars in debt in the face of weakening metals prices. The FTSE 100 was up 31.60 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 6,074.52 points at the close, rallying after [...]
Even Primark can’t save Associated British Foods from a drop in profits this year, as sugar and currency woes hit the business hard September 7, 2015 Associated British Foods (ABF) has confirmed its adjusted operating profit will decline for the full year as its has failed to offset challenges in its sugar division and currency headwinds. Operating profit at constant currency will be ahead of last year for grocery, agriculture, ingredients and retail, ABF said this morning. The firm's share [...]
Bank to announce rates decision as China woes weigh – London Report September 6, 2015 THE BANK of England will be centre of attention on Thursday when it provides a simultaneous release of its monetary policy decision and minutes from its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting. The MPC is almost certain to keep interest rates unchanged at 0.5 per cent, with worries about China and oil price declines meaning other [...]