FTSE treads water as fears over European debts weigh December 16, 2010 BRITAIN’S top shares closed little changed yesterday as persistent concerns over Europe’s debt problems capped moves on the upside while BP fell after the US government launched a lawsuit over the Gulf oil spill. The FTSE 100 ended down 1.06 points at 5,881.12. The index ebbed away from an intra-day high of 5,907.10, with analysts [...]
Cut down your energy bills December 16, 2010 IT HAS been a sad few weeks for anyone with a gas or electricity bill to pay. Last week, Npower announced plans to increase electricity and gas prices by 5.1 per cent, bringing to four the number of big energy companies hiking rates this Christmas, bringing the average household’s bill to £1,210. And just yesterday, [...]
Three ways to save your pennies overseas December 16, 2010 IF THE estimates of the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) are to be believed, nearly 4m of us will be heading abroad over Christmas. But whether you’re escaping to sunnier climes or hitting the slopes, here are three tips to help you avoid parting with your cash. 1 BEST CREDIT CARD TO TAKE ABROAD [...]
Retailers facing ill wind as weather threatens to scupper Christmas sales December 16, 2010 THE headache for retailers caused by the cold snap may get worse as a forecast return to freezing conditions threatens to keep shoppers away in the crucial run-up to Christmas. Weather experts predict a return of icy conditions this week following a brief thaw, which could force consumers to postpone festive purchases and retailers could [...]
A glossy sci-fi sequel with few thrills December 16, 2010 Film TRON: LEGACY Cert: 12A ALMOST three decades after he first got sucked inside a luminescent software programme to do battle with some evil artificial intelligence, Jeff Bridges is back – and this time there’s three of him. His character from the 1982 original film, genius hacker Flynn, has been trapped inside the computer programme [...]
Christmas boost for retail sales December 15, 2010 Holiday season high street sales are up on last year, employer’s body the CBI reported yesterday. Some 67 per cent of retailers expected higher sales than last year, with only 11 per cent preparing for a decline. The positive index score was the highest year-on-year comparison since April 2002. However, fewer retailers expect the sales [...]
Three fired as Apprentices enter final straight December 15, 2010 THE penultimate episode and the welcome return of a familiar face. For the interview challenge, Lord Sugar prised Margaret Mountford from her scrolls (she’s completing a Ph.D in Papyrology) to interrogate the final five. Her steely glare and raised eyebrow were as effective as ever, though other interviewers favoured a less subtle approach. “I’m going [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: IS THE SHINE COMING OFF THE IPO FIRM’S SUCCESS STORY December 15, 2010 PHILIP DORGAN | ALTIUM SECURITIES Given the premium rating and no upgrades, coupled with the gross margin comment, the shares may struggle to make progress. NICK BUBB | ARDEN The statement reads very well, with Christmas going well. SuperGroup looks to be ahead of expectations in sales for womenswear for 2011 to 2012. MATTHEW MCEACHRAN [...]
Don’t plan on making any knee-jerk moves in January December 15, 2010 A RECENT survey by Morgan McKinley found that the number of City job vacancies was up year-on-year for the 12th consecutive month, 9 per cent in November. Traditionally, the first quarter sees a flurry of hiring, following the clear-outs that accompany the bonus season. So will we see this in 2011? With all the kerfuffle [...]
Show your love with a good book December 15, 2010 OK, Christmas is closing in. Chances are you’ve done the bulk of your shopping, or at least you know what you’re getting for your friends and family. But there may still be some holes to be filled, and if there are, there’s no better way to fill them than with a well-chosen book. Books as gifts [...]