Poor data in the US and at home send FTSE down – London Report April 28, 2015 WEAK data at home and poor results across the Atlantic meant the FTSE 100 faced its biggest one-day drop in nearly a month yesterday. The FTSE 100 closed 73.45 points lower, or one per cent, at 7,030.53 points, retreating from a record high of 7,122.74 hit on Monday. The index extended losses in afternoon trade [...]
UK economic growth slows to 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 April 28, 2015 The last piece of key economic data spun out ahead of the General Election on May 7 has shown the economy slowed by more than expected in the first quarter. The Office for National Statistics said today the economy grew by 0.3 per cent in the first three months of this year, which was below [...]
UK biotech can match the US – if we end the investment valley of death April 27, 2015 The Personalised Medicine World Conference, where industry leaders in the life sciences and biotech sectors present their latest research to peers, patients and investors, took place at Oxford University earlier this month. Personalised medicine has captivated business leaders and investors globally, and the conference’s migration from its original home in Silicon Valley suggests that the [...]
Suspected shoplifter falls from second-floor window of Royal Exchange April 27, 2015 A man suspected of shoplifting has fallen from a second floor window in the Royal Exchange, near the Bank of England, today. City of London police were called to a shop on Gracechurch Street at 10:30am today after a member of the public called to report the suspected shoplifting. Officers were on the [...]
How to limit distractions at work April 26, 2015 Instilling a culture of quality and ensuring a sense of personal responsibility is important. The pace of change at work can be considerable. Unfamiliar technology, team changes, office relocations or new leadership can mean that employees at all levels are often distracted, unfocused and prone to making mistakes. Recent research among more than [...]
HSBC share price closes higher as it launches review into leaving UK April 24, 2015 Shares in HSBC closed more than three per cent up at 631.4p after the bank revealed it is investigating the possibility of leaving the UK. Chairman Douglas Flint said this morning that, spooked by a tighter regulatory environment, HSBC's board has launched a review into moving its headquarters out of the UK. More on this [...]
Apple Watch apps: The most useful apps for your commute, work, travel and staying informed April 24, 2015 People are finally able to get their hands on the Apple Watch today as pre-orders begin shipping and a handful of shops – Apple stores, Selfridges and Dover Street Market in London – will begin selling the smartwatch offline. But with a mind-boggling 3,000 apps to get playing with, where do you start? Here's our [...]
French Connection share price plunges on profit warning April 24, 2015 Retailer French Connection has suddenly found itself in the bargain bin, after shares plummeted more than 20 per cent in early trading. The fall came after the brand issued a trading update saying its full-year results are likely to be "materially lower than expected". Ouch. The brand, which has underperformed fairly consistently since the heady [...]
Novartis profit beats forecasts as its overhaul begins to pay off April 23, 2015 NOVARTIS posted forecast-beating first-quarter profits yesterday as the Swiss pharmaceutical company showed the benefits of its comprehensive restructuring. Top-line figures were hit by the strength of the US dollar as reported revenues fell seven per cent to $11.9bn (£7.9bn) during the period compared to the year before. Net income was also hit by currency fluctuations, [...]
Microsoft trump expectations thanks to sky-high cloud revenue April 23, 2015 The figures Microsoft's profit and revenue came in above analysts' expectations for the third quarter of 2015, causing the company's stock to rise in after-hours trading. The software and technology giant posted earnings of $0.61 per share – trumping the forecast $0.51 per share – but also significantly falling from the $0.68 per share posted [...]