How Aviva’s leaping into the record books by hedging death rates March 6, 2014 While the news headlines surrounding insurer Aviva this morning focused on its encouraging profits and ongoing turnaround, there was one nugget of information buried deep inside its results which failed to catch the eye – just the biggest pension trade in history. In a brief line on page 126 of the 175-page tome, Aviva says [...]
What you need to know before the open March 6, 2014 Europe’s set for a higher open this morning as investors await today’s European Central Bank (ECB) rate meeting. Another weather-related miss for US services, and disappointing ADP payroll numbers didn’t appear to dent activity too much yesterday, and concerns over Ukraine have seemingly been put on the back burner for now. Opinion is somewhat divided [...]
“Aviva still has issues” says boss as profits rise March 6, 2014 Aviva has reported a six per cent rise in operating profit for 2013, to £2bn. Chief executive Mark Wilson said the businesses’ turnaround is “intensifying”, adding, however, that he wants to “guard against complacency”. Shares have, however, leapt over eight per cent in trading this morning. Source: Google The London-based insurer saw cash flows up [...]
What the other papers say this morning – 03 March 2014 March 3, 2014 FINANCIAL TIMES Britain to scrap VAT on Bitcoin trades Britain’s tax authority plans to ditch value added tax on Bitcoin trading only days after the collapse of Mt Gox, one of the virtual currency’s leading exchanges, losing almost $500m of customer deposits. In a meeting with a group of UK traders last week, HM Revenue [...]
London Report: UK marks five-year anniversary of low Bank interest rate March 2, 2014 WEDNESDAY marks the five-year anniversary of the Bank of England’s record low 0.5 per cent interest rate, a figure that Thursday’s rates decision is unlikely to change. In other economic news, February PMI reports for manufacturing, construction and services will be announced. The corporate calendar starts today with news from Amlin, Intertek, Keller Group, Senior [...]
No favours for new team from in-form Smith March 2, 2014 HARLEQUINS boss Conor O’Shea admits Worcester Warriors have got their hands on a clinical winger after Sixways-bound Sam Smith led Quins to victory against his future employers on Saturday. Wing David Lemi crossed over in an opening half dominated by Worcester, but Quins fought back through Smith, who scored his third try in four Aviva [...]
City Moves for 27 February 2014 | Who’s switching jobs February 26, 2014 Royal London GroupThe mutual life and pensions company has announced the appointment of Tim Harris as a finance director and member of its board. He joins from Torus, where he is currently group chief finance officer. Harris has previously held senior finance roles at Aviva and PwC. InceThe law firm has appointed Hugh O’Donovan as [...]
England rocked as Vunipola suffers Six Nations finale KO February 24, 2014 ENGLAND rugby coach Stuart Lancaster rued a major blow to his hopes of winning a first Six Nations title last night after No8 Billy Vunipola was ruled out for the remainder of the championship. Scans taken yesterday afternoon revealed ligament damage to Vunipola’s ankle, which the Saracens forward hurt during Saturday’s hard-fought 13-10 triumph over [...]
London Report: Insurance firms start a deluge of UK earnings February 23, 2014 A BUMPER week for UK earnings kicks off today with results from Hiscox, one of the big home insurers reporting full-year figures. Figures from Hiscox, RSA and Direct Line could give more detailed estimates of losses for UK industry and themselves after recent flooding and storms. Aviva and L&G are also set to give end [...]
McCall: Tomkins can inspire Sarries to Premiership crown February 23, 2014 SARACENS director of rugby Mark McCall believes fit again Joel Tomkins will be crucial to his side’s Aviva Premiership run-in, after his starring role in yesterday’s 23-10 win over Exeter Chiefs. Centre Tomkins made his first start since picking up a knee injury on England duty in the autumn as Sarries celebrated Allianz Park’s one-year [...]