FTSE hit by fresh volatility August 11, 2011 The top share index pared gains by midday, as concerns over the stability of European banks in the face of the global debt and growth crisis took the wind out of an earlier advance. Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group swung violently on worries banks will sustain further losses associated with exposure [...]
European markets bounce back August 11, 2011 European markets made a tentative recovery this morning after fears over France’s credit rating triggered losses across the globe. Rumours that agencies were planning to take away France’s Triple A rating were denied and President Sarkozy moved to reassure investors, which lifted stocks. The intervention came after the country’s banks took a battering yesterday with [...]
FTSE turns downwards on unease over France’s banks August 10, 2011 SHARPLY weaker banks dragged Britain’s top shares lower yesterday as fears about Europe’s debt came into sharp focus on rumours France may be in danger of losing its triple-A credit rating, and on concerns over the outlook for French banks. The UK benchmark index ended down 157.76 points, or 3.1 per cent, at 5,007.16, its [...]
Bank stocks hit by France debt fears August 10, 2011 Banking stocks have taken a battering today over fears that France may be the next sovereign to face a ratings cut. French president Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered new budget cuts to reduce France’s public spending deficit, a response to market concerns over its indebtedness. Shares in French banks, which are among the most exposed to [...]
FTSE recovery gains traction after Fed boost August 10, 2011 The FTSE continued its rally in early trading today after an unprecedented pledge by the Fed to keep interest rates low to stimulate economic growth encouraged investors. Wall Street rebounded yesterday setting the tone for markets across the globe. In tandem with positive export data from China showing a lift in July the move by [...]
Markets bounce back ahead of Fed statement August 9, 2011 Britain’s top share index bounced back above the 5,000 level and US markets opened higher as investors hoped for some soothing words from the US Federal Reserve on the global debt and growth problems. Wall Street has gained ground since opening, with major indices climbing more than two per cent ahead of the Fed’s policy [...]
FTSE sinks below 5,000 August 9, 2011 The FTSE 100 plunged below 5,000 for the first time since 7 July 2010 as the crisis of confidence in world markets deepened. The latest plunge came after indices across Europe had opened on the front foot before returning to a downward spiral. Rallying calls form President Obama failed to limit the damage caused by [...]
CITY MOVES | WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS August 8, 2011 Santander The retail and commercial bank has promoted Robin Foale, formerly the divisional managing director for corporate and commercial banking in Thames Valley & South West, to managing director for its business banking division. In his new role, Foale will review the services offered to small businesses in Santander’s branch and telephone network. Prior to [...]
Markets remain volatile after ECB action August 8, 2011 The FTSE 100 initially fought back this morning as investors found new confidence in banking shares after the European Central Bank (ECB) moved to stabilize the beleaguered Spanish and Italian economies. Italian and Spanish bonds are being bought by the ECB to avoid a potentially catastrophic debt default by the two countries. Bond yields fell [...]
CITY MOVES | WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS August 7, 2011 Survitec Group The manufacturer and distributor for the marine, defence and aerospace survival technology industries that was bought by private equity firm Warburg Pincus in 2010 has appointed Paul Lester CBE as chairman. Lester, the former chief executive of VT Group and group managing director of Balfour Beatty, is currently chairman of Greenergy and non-executive [...]