Playtech sees trading in line; US demand 'very strong'
Gambling software maker Playtech said trading was in line with expectations in the first four months of the year, with as it moved to become predominantly pure-play B2B operation.
Hammerson completes Brent Cross deal
Hammerson has taken near full control of London shopping centre Brent Cross in a £186m deal, the property group confirmed on Wednesday.
Intermediate Capital hails ‘milestone’ year as AUM jump 14%
Intermediate Capital Group shares rallied on Wednesday as it reported a "milestone" financial year, with assets under management up 14%.
Essentra trading in line with expectations
Essentra said in an update on Wednesday that trading remained in line with expectations in the first four months of 2025, as group revenue declined 1. 3% on a like-for-like and trading day adjusted basis.
US pre-open: Stocks set to fall as geopolitical fears return
The selling pressure on US stocks is expected to remain on Wednesday, as markets continue to pull back from hitting three-month highs earlier in the week with bond yields rising to a three-month high.
Asia report: Most markets rise despite pause in Wall Street rally
Asia-Pacific markets mostly advanced on Wednesday, buoyed by positive sentiment despite a pause in Wall Street’s rally overnight and ongoing concerns over trade tensions.
HICL Infrastructure profits rise, net asset value narrows
HICL Infrastructure reported a 50% increase in profit before tax to £46m for the year ended 31 March, it announced on Wednesday, driven by solid portfolio performance and successful asset disposals, despite a decline in net asset value.
Citi upgrades Phoenix Group to ‘buy’ from ‘neutral’
Citi upgraded Phoenix Group on Wednesday to ‘buy’ from ‘neutral’ and lifted the price targe to 730p from 537p as it pointed to balance sheet flexibility and a growing franchise.
Ithaca ups production guidance after Cygnus buy
North Sea oil and gas explorer Ithaca Energy raised its full-year production forecasts on Wednesday after lifting its stake in the Cygnus gas field from Centrica.
Thames Water, Anglian Water face brunt of crackdown on sewage discharges
Thames Water and Anglian Water are the focus of a sweeping crackdown on illegal sewage discharges, it emerged on Wednesday, with the two utilities accounting for more than 50 of a record 81 criminal investigations launched into water companies since July 2024.
Severn Trent gives bullish outlook after delivering record FY profits
Utility group Severn Trent reported record profits and said it expects to double earnings per share over the next three years, as it smashed market forecasts with its results for the 12 months ended 31 March.
Coats confirms guidance despite tariff uncertainty
Coats Group said on Wednesday that it was on track to finish the first half up on the previous year, despite Donald Trump’s global tariff regime causing a spike in uncertainty.
Shoe Zone swings to interim loss, scraps dividend
Shoe Zone tumbled on Wednesday as the discount shoe retailer said it swung to an interim loss, scrapped its dividend and struck a downbeat tone on the outlook.
Revolution Beauty kicks off formal sale process after preliminary approach
Revolution Beauty said on Wednesday that it was kicking off a formal sale process after receiving a preliminary takeover approach.
Close Bros optimistic despite softer loan book
Close Brothers Group saw its loan book shrink in the third quarter, the merchant bank confirmed on Wednesday, but remained confident for the full year after it bolstered its capital position.
London open: Higher-than-expected UK inflation, Mideast tensions limit gains
London stocks were just a smidgen higher in early trade on Wednesday following the release of hotter-than-expected UK inflation figures and amid tensions in the Middle East.
RS Group revenue, profits fall amid ongoing industrial weakness
RS Group reported a 10% drop in adjusted profit before tax to £248m for the year ended 31 March on Wednesday, as revenue declined 1% to £2. 9bn amid continued weakness in industrial demand.
JD Sports shares slump on fears US price hikes could hit demand
Shares in JD Sports slumped on Wednesday as it warned that US demand could be hit with customers facing higher prices due to US President Donald Trump's tariff polices and revealed a 2% fall in underlying sales amid a “volatile” market.
Great Portland Estates lifts rental forecasts after strong leasing year
Great Portland Estates has raised its estimates for rental growth this year after a solid performance over the 12 months to 31 March, with profits and valuations coming in ahead of expectations.
Europe open: Shares fall on Israel-Iran tensions, US debt worries
European shares opened lower on Wednesday amid geopolitical tensions and worries about the size of US debt as President Donald Trump’s tax and spending Bill nears a vote, while a hot UK inflation reading also dampened sentiment.