Disappointing economic data keeps markets in the red February 15, 2011 The FTSE has spent the day in the red and closed down 0.38 per cent at 6,037.08 after disappointing US economic data and news. Miners were also led down by news from China, where an above-target 4.9 per cent increase in inflation raised the prospect of further interest rate rises. Banks were buoyant, though, [...]
Morrisons buys baby care website for £70m February 15, 2011 Wm Morrison Supermarkets, the country’s fourth-biggest grocer, is buying online baby products retailer Kiddicare for £70m to kick-start an online business selling non-food goods. Morrison said the deal would give it a technology platform and distribution centre to develop an online non-food business, launching its first products in 2012. The move is part of chief [...]
PRICE OF LOVE RUNS HIGH FOR ST VALENTINE February 7, 2011 WITH heart-strewn cards and lavish bouquets lining the shelves of the City’s shops, it seems even the most business-focused of postcodes can’t escape the romantic distractions of St Valentine’s Day. So it’s lucky that bonus season is in full flow, as the VAT hike and inflation combine to push the expected Valentine spend up from [...]
Morrisons plans Davies range February 6, 2011 Morrisons plans to launch a fashion range in partnership with designer George Davies, founder of Next. Advanced talks between Morrisons and Davies are expected to conclude this month, clearing the way for a range to be launched as early as the autumn. Davies created rival retailer Asda’s successful George clothing range.
THE TIPSTER February 6, 2011 WITH uncertainty continuing over the situation in Egypt, bearish investors are coveting the safe haven assets once again. After retreating from the $1,400 level at the start of the year, gold is now creeping higher but with no signs of further contagion in the geopolitical sphere, the risk aversion stance could arguably be seen as [...]
US Embassy attracts £250m property scheme to Vauxhall February 3, 2011 TWO skyscrapers are being planned for Vauxhall, as developer CLS hopes to cash in on the multi-billion pound regeneration in the area. CLS aims to submit planning permission in late 2011 for two mixed-use towers of over 40 storeys at the Vauxhall Cross site, which is opposite Vauxhall Tube station and close to the new [...]
FTSE mining and auto stocks hit by China tightening fears January 20, 2011 BRITAIN’S top share index sank to its lowest closing level in more than five weeks yesterday, weighed down by mining stocks on concerns over potential further monetary tightening by China and its impact on demand. The FTSE 100 closed down 108.79 points, or 1.8 per cent, at 5,867.91, its lowest close since December 13. Miners [...]
Paulson eyes up Taylor Wimpey’s US business January 19, 2011 HOUSEBUILDER Taylor Wimpey has received at least three bids for its North American assets, which could be worth about £600m, according to reports last night. Hedge fund billionaire John Paulson’s Rain Tree Investment, Barry Sternlicht’s Starwood Capital Group and a private US homebuilder have submitted bids for Taylor Morrison, the firm’s arm in North America. [...]
FTSE 100 falls back as bank, mining and retail stocks slide January 19, 2011 BANKING and mining stocks weighed on London’s top share index yesterday as concerns over the global economic recovery resurfaced, while sentiment among retailers was dented after some disappointing updates. The FTSE 100 closed down 79.73 points, or 1.3 per cent lower at 5,976.70, ebbing away from Tuesday’s fresh 31-month high. “The market moved a long [...]
Starwood and Paulson bid on Taylor Wimpey US arm January 19, 2011 Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has received at least three bids for its North American arm, Taylor Morrison, which could be worth up to $950m (£595m). Rain Tree Investment, one of hedge fund billionaire John Paulson’s vehicles; Starwood Capital and a private US homebuilder have submitted bids for Taylor Morrison, several sources have said. Both Rain Tree [...]