Analyst Views: What did you make of BHP Billiton’s operational review? April 16, 2014 RICHARD KNIGHTS | LIBERUM They’ve upgraded their iron ore and coal production targets, which is a slight positive. BHP is doing what most companies are doing in the face of low prices – increasing output to reduce unit costs. I expect the firm will announce an iron ore expansion programme at the end of the year. [...]
Ford Mustang sent to the tower April 16, 2014 Ford Motors will attempt to get its latest model, the 2015 Ford Mustang, up to the top of the Empire State Building in New York today to celebrate the 50th birthday of the model. The publicity stunt is designed to mimic the launch event for the original Ford Mustang, which rolled off the production line [...]
Nissan nets footie deal April 7, 2014 CAR MAKER Nissan has emerged victorious in a multi-million pound battle to sponsor Europe’s biggest football competition, dislodging current sponsor Ford after more than 20 years. The Japanese giant has swept in to take the coveted sponsorship rights to the UEFA Champions League in an agreement market sources suggest is worth up to £60m a [...]
Caffe Nero brews up a plan to open 225 new stores in the UK April 7, 2014 COFFEE shop chain Caffe Nero is set to open another 225 outlets across the UK over the next five years, creating an extra 1,700 jobs. The London-headquartered firm, which was founded in 1997, will open 40 to 45 stores in the UK each year and the same number overseas, at the same expansion pace as [...]
UK car registrations see strongest month in 10 years April 4, 2014 Car registrations are picking up speed, according to the latest SMMT data. They rose to 464,825 in March, a rise of 17.7 per cent on last month. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes says that's "a surprisingly strong level of growth and a reflection of intensifying consumer confidence". No surprise that March saw a lot of [...]
Sales of used cars in UK rise to a five-year high April 2, 2014 MORE than 6.8m used cars changed hands in the UK last year with the second-hand market reaching its highest level since 2008, according to new research. Data giant Experian found that the total number grew despite a 1.18 per cent drop in Greater London. Sales of new cars have boomed in recent years in the UK, [...]
New York Report: Factory figures help S&P 500 to record close April 1, 2014 US STOCKS rose for a third straight session yesterday, with the S&P 500 ending at a record close, after positive data on factory activity indicated economic growth was gaining traction following a harsh winter. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of national factory activity rose to 53.7 in March, its second straight [...]
What you need to know before the US open April 1, 2014 Stocks across the globe have been given a boost after positive remarks by Janet Yellen yesterday on the Fed’s attitude towards a rate hike – soothing worries one would come earlier than expected. Futures point towards a positive open, as markets continue the moderate gains seen in the first quarter. Investors will also have the [...]
Brewers cheer beer price relief as cost of fags raised by 28p per pack March 19, 2014 PUBS, Scottish whisky distilleries and West Country cider brewers will all benefit from alcohol tax changes announced yesterday, while the tobacco industry faces increasing duty on cigarettes. The reforms announced in the Budget include a two per cent reduction on beer duty, amounting to a penny price drop in most pubs, for the second year [...]
Baby drama won’t hinder England bid March 13, 2014 ENGLAND’S quest to win a first Six Nations title in three years will not be hampered by the last-minute loss of prop and expectant father Joe Marler, according to head coach Stuart Lancaster. Marler was initially included in Lancaster’s starting XV to take on Italy tomorrow, but doubts over his ability to join his team-mates [...]