John Lewis Partnership losses widen as retailer gives 'cautious' outlook
John Lewis Partnership reported a wider first-half loss on Thursday as increased investment and tougher trading conditions weighed on performance, while the retailer said it remained “cautious” about the outlook for the second half.
Boohoo to cut net debt after sale of Sheffield distribution centre
Boohoo said on Thursday that it has sold its Sheffield distribution centre and reassigned the lease to Primark Stores Limited for £90m in cash - a move that will reduce net debt to a negligible level.
Playtech delivers record H1 profit, cautions on weaker H2
Gambling software developer Playtech warned on Thursday that second‑half earnings will come in lower than the first as key US revenues normalise and higher UK remote gaming duties continues to bite, even as it posted a sharp jump in interim profit and cash flow.
GSK gets Japanese approval for new ready‑to‑use shingles vaccine format
Drugmaker GSK said on Thursday that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved a prefilled syringe version of its shingles vaccine Shingrix, offering a simpler, ready‑to‑use presentation for healthcare professionals.
THG beats guidance with strong first half, but reports Q3 slowdown
Nutrition and beauty brand owner THG beat its own guidance for sales and profits in the first half, with adjusted operating profits more than doubling, though shares fell as the company reported a signficant revenue slowdown in the third quarter.
AB Foods plans Primark home delivery; Sees lower FY sales, shares slump
Shares in Associated British Foods slumped on Thursday after the conglomerate said it expected full-year like-for-like sales at its soon-to-be-demerged Primark division to fall by 2. 6% amid a tough consumer environment, adding that it also planned to introduce home delivery in the UK at the clothing retailer.
London open: FTSE nudges up as Brent hovers above $100, ahead of ECB
London stocks nudged higher in early trade on Thursday as Brent crude hovered above $100 a barrel and as investors eyed an expected 25 basis points rate hike by the European Central Bank.
Europe open: Shares up, oil stay above $100 ahead of ECB rate call
European shares opened higher as oil continued to trade above $100 a barrel and traders eyed an expected interest rate hike from the European Central Bank.
German August inflation confirmed at 2.9% as energy prices soar
Germany’s inflation rate held at 2. 9% in August, federal statistics office Destatis confirmed on Thursday, matching the flash estimate as higher energy costs continued to offset softer food and core price pressures.
Fevertree posts rise in interim profit as UK returns to growth
Fevertree Drinks posted a rise in interim profit and revenue on Thursday as the UK returned to growth and as US momentum built under the Molson Coors partnership.
London pre-open: FTSE seen flat as Brent hovers above $100 a barrel; ECB eyed
London stocks were set for a flat open on Thursday as Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel and as investors eyed the latest policy announcement from the European Central Bank.
AB Foods sees FY LFL sales at Primark falling 2.6pc, Currys remains confident in FY guidance following 'strong start' to year
LONDON PRE-OPEN The FTSE 100 was expected to open 2. 5 points lower ahead of the bell on Thursday, after wrapping up the previous session 1. 31% softer at 10,670. 06.
Currys on track for full-year after 'strong start'
Electrical products retailer Currys has said it remains happy with market consensus forecasts after a "strong start" to the new financial year across both major regions.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Migration, air traffic control, triple lock
Andy Burnham must overhaul Shabana Mahmood’s migration reforms or risk overstretching social care and fuelling far-right sentiment, the TUC general secretary, Paul Nowak, has warned. Speaking ahead of the TUC’s annual congress in Brighton next week, Nowak welcomed the “sense of optimism” around Burnham’s fledgling government, but he urged the PM to act in a series of areas, including migration and the cost of living. – Guardian.