Barratt warns of tough times despite profit rise September 8, 2010 Housebuilder Barratt Developments said wider economic fears and the lack of mortgage finance meant the market for new housing was still challenging as it reported a jump in profits. House prices fell much faster than expected last month, according to a monthly survey from mortgage lender Nationwide, stoking concerns that the country could be headed [...]
Barratt hikes profit forecasts July 14, 2010 BARRATT Developments yesterday said its full-year profits would come in above expectations as it continues to focus on maximising selling prices while keeping a lid on costs. The UK’s third largest housebuilder has pencilled in an operating profit of at least £85m with margins rising to four per cent. The average selling price rose by [...]
Barratt on target for full year profit July 14, 2010 HOUSEBUILDER Barratt Developments said the group’s full-year profits will come in above expectations as it continues to focus on maximising selling prices while keeping a lid on costs. The UK’s third largest housebuilder has pencilled in an operating profit of at least £85m with margins rising to four per cent. The average selling price rose [...]
Depressed mining stocks are finally starting to look attractively valued July 12, 2010 IT WAS a tough second quarter for London-listed miners, which were dealt a severe blow by a toxic combination of general risk aversion, a planned tax on miners’ profits in Australia and a government-orchestrated slowdown in China. After reaching 25,356.51 on 6 April – its best level since July 2008 – the FTSE 350 mining [...]
CITY MOVES | WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS June 28, 2010 Norton Rose The law firm has made two new additions to its dispute resolution practice. Paul Morris joins as partner from Denton Wilde Sapte, where he was a partner and joint head of dispute resolution. He is an experienced contentious corporate trustee practitioner. Also joining the firm as partner is David McKie, who is moving [...]
THE TIPSTER May 31, 2010 STERLING-US dollar has been well-supported of late on fears that Prudential’s planned purchase of AIA could collapse. A large currency hedge shorting cable was put in place some months ago when the deal was first agreed and if it falls over, the hedge will come off, sending sterling-US dollar higher. While highly speculative, traders should [...]
Luminar sales dip further May 13, 2010 Nightclub operator Luminar has suffered pre-tax losses of £110.2m for the year to February. The group, which runs the Oceana and Liquid chains, said it would extend its live music offering and look for more custom from students. The company said chief finance officer Robert McDonald would stand down. Philip Bowcock, currently group financial controller [...]
BEST OF THE BROKERS May 13, 2010 COMPASS Credit Suisse has increased its target price for Compass to 634p and retained its “outperform” rating. Credit Suisse says that the food group’s growth outlook together with a further targeted margin improvement and acquisition potential justify a premium rating. Increases its 2010 earnings per share forecast to reflect stronger growth. INM Royal Bank of [...]
CITY MOVES | WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS May 13, 2010 State Street Global Advisors The investment manager has appointed Lynn Blake as head of index equity. Blake, 45, is a long-standing veteran of the firm, having first joined 23 years ago. She has held positions as a portfolio manager and head of non-US markets in the global structured products group. She succeeds Paul Brakke, 53, [...]
Barratt profit on target as house sales rise May 12, 2010 HOUSEBUILDER Barratt Developments said it will deliver a profit in the second half as it reported improved sales rates since February. The UK’s third largest housebuilder by market value, said its average selling price is expected to rise by 15 per cent by June 30, thanks to a shift in the type of houses being [...]