Latest News
Thursday preview: Tesco and PepsiCo results due
On Thursday, interim results from supermarket chain Tesco and Next15 will be in focus, while full-year results from Volution Group are also due.
Europe close: Stoxx 600 drops 1 per cent as bond yields climb
Stock markets across Europe registered steep losses on Wednesday as a renewed rise in bond yields and oil prices drove profit-taking after three days of equity gains.
London close: FTSE falls amid rising bond yields; banks slump
London stocks fell on Wednesday amid rising bond yields and as Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel, with banks pacing the decline.
FTSE 100 movers: Financials in the red; JD Sports rallies
London’s FTSE 100 was down 0. 8% at 10,458. 94 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Rank shares fall after £5m Gambling Commission settlement
Shares in Rank Group slipped on Wednesday after the Gambling Commission said three of its casino businesses would pay £5m over anti-money laundering and social responsibility failings.
Broker tips: Hostelworld, Netcall
Berenberg cut its price target on Hostelworld to 150p from 171p on Wednesday, citing a weaker Q3 shaped by geopolitical headwinds, though it kept its 'buy' rating on the stock and said the group's shift to its social‑driven platform continues to underpin the long‑term investment case.
Canada's billionaire Weston family to buy Boots in £6.7bn deal
Canada's billionaire Weston family has agreed to buy The Boots Group from US private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $8. 9bn (£6. 7bn).
Director dealings: First Property Group CEO raises stake
First Property Group revealed on Wednesday that chief executive Ben Habib had acquired 300,000 shares in the AIM-listed property fund manager.
US open: Stocks lower as bond yields and oil resume their climb
Major indices were in the red at the opening bell on Wednesday as both Treasury yields and oil prices pushed higher.
Nick Prettejohn to succeed Aubrey Adams as Tritax chair
Tritax Big Box REIT said on Wednesday that it has appointed Nick Prettejohn as its next chair.
Canaccord Genuity bumps up target price on Netcall
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lifted their target price on Netcall to 170p from 160p on Wednesday, saying accelerating cloud momentum and a stronger medium‑term earnings profile support further upside.
Pennon shares tumble on rights issue, dividend cut
Shares in Pennon tumbled on Wednesday after the water utility unveiled a rights issue and cut its dividend as part of a major operational reset and increased investment programme.
Porsche targets stronger margins with new 2035 strategy
Porsche set out plans on Wednesday to lift profitability and cut its reliance on sales volumes, as the sports-car maker unveiled a new strategy running through to 2035.
Shell sees record Q3 refining margins, lifts gas production estimate
Shell on Wednesday said third‑quarter refining margins were set to hit a record high, with the oil giant expecting margins to jump to $42 a barrel, up sharply from $24 in the previous quarter.
Berenberg lowers target price on Hostelworld
Berenberg cut its price target on Hostelworld to 150p from 171p on Wednesday, citing a weaker Q3 shaped by geopolitical headwinds, though it kept its 'buy' rating on the stock and said the group's shift to its social‑driven platform continues to underpin the long‑term investment case.
CRH to buy NCC Industry’s operations in Denmark, Finland
Building materials provider CRH said on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy NCC Industry’s operations in Denmark and Finland from Swedish construction firm NCC AB for an undisclosed sum.
Metlen mulls possible Athens listing of METKA division
Metlen Energy & Metals said on Wednesday that it is considering a potential stock market listing of its infrastructure business METKA Group on Euronext Athens.
US mortgage applications fall for fifth-straight week
US mortgage applications fell 4. 2% in the week ended 2 October, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, marking a fifth straight decline and taking activity to its lowest level since January 2025.
Hostelworld warns FY earnings will miss consensus expectations
Hostelworld warned on Wednesday that its full-year earnings would fall short of analysts’ expectations, partly due to the conflict in the Middle East weighing on volumes.