We begin proceedings with two takeover approaches, one successful, the other less so, for now at least.First, Swiss bourse operator SIX agreed to buy UK junior marketplace Aquis Exchange (AQX:AIM) for 727p in cash, representing a 120% premium to the previous closing price of 330p.SIX, which operates the Swiss and Spanish stock markets, called the deal 'a compelling strategic opportunity which...

The FTSE 100 struggled for direction on Tuesday as inflation levels continued to accelerate in the US, with the blue chip benchmark ending the session pretty much flat at 7,124.72 points.By 4.30pm UK time the S&P 500 index in the US was up 0.1% at 4,390.52.The CPI print of 0.9% for June was very much stronger than expectations of a 0.5% advance, leaving the Federal Reserve's repeated...

London's FTSE 100 was broadly flat by midday at 7.128.43 points as initial momentum in the UK banking sector, after the Bank of England lifted dividend restrictions on the sector's heavyweights, began to wane and worries over rising coronavirus infections kept gains in check.By lunchtime, NatWest (NATW) was off 0.4% at 206p, with Barclays (BARC) flat at 172.7p, although HSBC (HSBA) and Lloyds...

UK banks gave leading stocks a push higher in early trade on Tuesday afternoon the Bank of England lifted dividend restrictions on the sector's heavyweights but worries over rising coronavirus infections kept gains in check.At 9am, the benchmark FTSE 100 was around 0.3% at 7,174.34, with NatWest (NATW) topping the leaderboard with gains just shy of 2% to 210.4p. HSBC (HSBA), Lloyds (LLOY) and...

The FTSE 100 got off to a slow start on Wednesday after a warning from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the global economy could suffer its worst fall since the 1930s.In its half-yearly forecasts, the IMF said gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to fall globally by 4.2% in 2020, by 6.5% in advanced countries, and by 7% in the UK.The UK's benchmark index fell 0.63% to 5,754.73...

London's FTSE 100 shed 9.1 points to trade at 7,273 on Tuesday as political uncertainty caused sterling to drop below $1.20 for the first time since 2017. This weighed on the UK-focused FTSE 250, dragging it back by 26 points to 19,456 and is also bad news for UK domestic FTSE 100 stocks including the housebuilders, supermarkets and various banks.Plumbing and heating products distributor...

UK investors continue to tread tentatively in early trade on Wednesday as threats perceived over global trade wars and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East give pause to optimism.The UK's FTSE 100 benchmark index eases back by single digit points to 7,413.57 having rallied more than 3.5% so far in June, and the cautious mood is reflected in another firm day for gold prices, traditionally...

UK shares are firmly on the up in early trade on Tuesday ahead of Philip Hammond's first Autumn Statement due tomorrow. SOme of this strength is likely down to Monday's jump in the value of Sterling. The FTSE 100 index rallies 55 points, or about 0.8%, to 6,833, after a largely flat finish to trade on Monday.In corporate news. Construction equipment group Lavendon (LVD) soars 41% to 196p as it...

Nanoco boostCadmium-free quantum dots technology developer Nanoco (NANO:AIM) has secured its first royalties from US manufacturing partner Dow Chemical (DOW:NYSE), most likely from high-definition LG TVs. Initially modest, these royalties could ramp up fast, according to some analysts, with a next update likely on 30 July. Nanoco shares trade at 38.5p. (SFr)Rose targets CubaResources firm Rose...

In some ways, investment styles are a bit like the pick 'n' mix section of a well-stocked sweet shop. Cola bottles will suit some tastes, others may prefer cola cubes; pear drops, rhubarb and custard or humbugs could prove the fancy of a completely different group. So it is with investment, every investor must make their own choices based on their own feelings towards risk, time frame and an...

Solid State (SOLI:AIM) 445.6pLoss to date: 20%Stopped OutOriginal entry price: 807.5p, 2 Jul 2015By definition a profit warning is a negative surprise but this one from Solid State (SOLI:AIM) is a proper shocker. The rugged computer parts and electronics designer revealed on 29 October that it would miss expectations for the year to 31 March 2016. There's been some softening in its end markets...

London stocks end the week modestly in the red in early trade on Friday as investors continue to digest a worse-than-forecast slowdown in US economic growth in the third quarter, while also looking ahead to Eurozone inflation figures. The benchmark FTSE 100 index drifts mid-single digits to 6,391, although midcaps do better, the FTSE 250 index posting marginal rises of around 12 points to...

European stock markets continue to slide as the Greece debt saga drags on, with London shares mirroring the performances in financial performance in France and Germany. The FTSE 100 slips 0.3% to 6,516, while France CAC 40 and Germany's Xetra Dax decline by 0.4% and 0.25% respectively. Falling crude prices add to the downward pressure on share prices, with oil services firm Wood Group (WG.)...

This is the sort of UK manufacturing success story that belies the view that Britain no longer makes anything. We think Solid State (SOLI:AIM) is a hidden gem and believe imminent full-year results (out 7 July) could beat market expectations.The Redditch-based company makes rugged, hard-wearing electronic components, batteries, computers and other gadgets designed for devices used in extreme...

FTSE indices make modest gains ahead of the four-day Easter weekend with oil stock, supermarkets and financial stocks contributing. Wall St fell overnight, but Asian markets firmed. Investors are distracted by Iran nuclear talks, bloodshed in Yemen and the Greek debt soap opera.In early trade on Thursday the benchmark FTSE 100 index is up around 7 points, or 0.1%, at 6,816, although midcaps...

London markets lose early gains to nudge modestly lower in early trade Monday despite investors seeking bargains and news that most major European banks have passed recent 'stress tests'. The benchmark FTSE 100 slips 13 points lower to 6,375 having edged around 25 points higher at the start of the session, perhaps demonstrating the still fragile sentiment of the market over all.Oil majors act...