Equity prices in London fell on Wednesday, as stocks struggled to find their feet amid rising US Treasury yields. There was also a flurry of M&A news threatening to hog the spotlight. The prospect of a mega mining merger between BHP and Anglo American was ruled out, though Royal Mail owner International Distributions Services has agreed to a takeover. The FTSE 100 index ended down 71.11 points,...

Co-managers of the Henderson European Focus Trust (HEFT), Tom O'Hara and John Bennett, conceded that it was more important to 'stay out of trouble' over the six months to the end of March as the FTSE World Europe (ex UK) index powered ahead by 14.9% on a total return basis. The trust delivered a 3% outperformance against the benchmark due to owning most of the names which went up more than the...

Stock prices in Europe were lower at midday on Wednesday, with major firms Ocado and St James's Place set to lose their spots in the FTSE 100. The FTSE 100 index was down 19.58 points, 0.2%, at 8,234.60. The FTSE 250 was down 112.26 points, 0.5%, at 20,593.01, and the AIM All-Share was down 3.43 points, 0.4%, at 804.93. The Cboe UK 100 was down 0.3% at 821.69, the Cboe UK 250 was down 0.7% at 1...

Publishing house Bloomsbury (BMY) announced this morning it had agreed to buy academic publisher Rowman & Littlefield for £65 million. Bloomsbury is financing the acquisition from its own cash resources and a new £30 million three-year term loan with Lloyds Bank (LLOY). The acquisition marks another step towards diversification of the company's business interests. ACCELERATING GROWTH The comp...

The board of Royal Mail-owner International Distributions Services (IDS) said it had agreed to a raised £3.57 billion bid from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, already a major shareholder in the firm. Despite the bid valuing IDS shares at 370p each, the stock traded just 11p, or 3.5% higher at 332p suggesting investors were reserving judgement on the deal getting government approval. IMPROV...

Pets at Home's (PETS) shares have been buffeted by weakening demand and a CMA (Competition & Markets Authority) probe into the vet industry. However, the stock rallied 4.2% to 295.2p on Wednesday, despite news of a full-year profits decline. Investors were relieved as the dog food-to-cat litter seller stuck with guidance for the new financial year amid resilient pet care spend and with the bene...

Stock prices in London were in the red on a rather calm Wednesday morning, with Royal Mail owner IDS, and Foresight Sustainable Forestry boosted by takeovers. In the FTSE 250, Royal Mail owner IDS agreed to a takeover by a Daniel Kretinsky-led group. Meanwhile, Foresight Sustainable Forestry shares shot up, after Averon Park said it will buy the firm for £167 million. The FTSE 100 index opened...

Equities in London ended lower on Tuesday after the long weekend, with investors nervy ahead of a US inflation reading on Friday, with comments from a Federal Reserve central banker doing little to lift spirits. The UK election campaign rumbled on as all three of the main party leaders spent Tuesday visiting seats that could be crucial in deciding the outcome of the general election. Prime Mini...

Stock prices in London were mostly higher at midday on Tuesday but the FTSE 100 declined ahead of a slew of US data in the afternoon, after a public holiday in both the US and the UK. The FTSE 100 index was down 16.64 points, or 0.2%, at 8,301.04. The FTSE 250 was up 83.97 points, or 0.4%, at 20,855.45, and the AIM All-Share was up 1.17 points, or 0.1%, at 811.19. The Cboe UK 100 was down 0.3%...

Nick Train, manager of the popular Finsbury Growth & Income Trust (FGT), has apologised to shareholders for the trust's 'poor investment performance' not only over the past six months but over three years. The manager also acknowledged the 'growing impatience' from the shareholders. Train's apology comes after the trust lagged behind its benchmark, the FTSE All Share index, for the six months e...

In a sign of growing confidence among housebuilders, it has been reported Persimmon (PSN) could bid for smaller rival Cala Group which has been earmarked for sale by owner Legal & General (LGEN). Shares in the York-based homebuilder cheapened 32p or 2% to £14.50 as investors prepared themselves for a potential capital raise. PREMIUM PRICE FTSE 100 insurer Legal & General has a sizeable propert...

Embattled premium nightclub operator Revolution Bars (RBG:AIM) has rejected a proposal from Nightcap (NGHT:AIM) so it can proceed with its existing £12.5 million fundraising and restructuring plans. The board said diverting from its intended course to deliver the associated cost savings would result in liquidity pressures from the financial first quarter (July to September 2024) onwards. Moreo...

Online fast-fashion retailer Boohoo (BOO:AIM) faces a revolt from shareholders over its controversial decision to lavish bonuses on senior executives despite racking up £160 million worth of losses last year. The scene is set for fireworks at Boohoo's AGM (annual general meeting) on 20 June, where several shareholders plan to vote against proposals to reward CEO John Lyttle and co-founders Mah...