Archive
FTSE 100 closes firmly higher as investors fret less on China/US relations
The UK blue-chip benchmark closed up over 58 points at 7,556, while its mid-cap cousin FTSE 250 added almost 142 points
Company
Ashtead Group PLC
LON:AHT
Ashtead Group is a leading provider of rental equipment with operations in the US and the UK. We provide equipment that lifts, powers, generates, moves, digs, supports, scrubs, pumps, directs, ventilates, whatever the job needs
223 stories · page 2 of 3
Investments and investor services
Lloyds and HSBC go ex-div, but has the BBQ summer saved Kingfisher’s first half?
Investors in the B&Q owner will be hoping for a BBQ boost sufficient to offset the springtime freeze.
Archive
Heatwave should provide a lift for BBQ and garden products at retailer Kingfisher
Aside from the DIY retailer's numbers, the Week Ahead diary includes updates from miner Antofagasta, and motor insurers Admiral and esure, plus a raft of key UK data
Dividend and conquer! Why income investing can be a lucrative strategy
Had you bought £1,000 worth of Ashtead shares in 2008, your investment, including the (reinvested) dividends, would be worth more than £42,000 today
Ashtead appoints Paul Walker as new chairman
The FTSE 100-listed equipment rental company said Chris Cole, who has been chairman of Ashtead since 2007 and previously as non-executive director, will retire from the company on September 11
Investments and investor services
Hvivo continues to soar as investors look ahead to next flu vaccine trial
A look at some of the biggest risers and fallers in London.
Ashtead profits gain as US hurricanes boost revenues
Ashtead hiked its final dividend by 20% and plans to spend at least a further £600mln on share buybacks
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes in red for second day this week as Trump trade threats turn real
The market has been seeming complacent on Trump’s tough protectionist rhetoric..until now
Archive
Blue chip updates from Ashtead and Ferguson unlikely to detract from England World Cup post-mortem
Aside from Ashtead and Ferguson, the Day Ahead includes updates from mid cap high street retailer Footasylum and Bonmarche, plus fixed lines provider Telecom Plus
Archive
Dixons Carphone has already had a kicking so investors will be hoping full-year numbers provide some relief
The Week Ahead also includes updates from blue chips Ashtead Group and Ferguson, plus mid-cap housebuilder Berkley Group, and the latest Bank of England interest rate decision
Ashtead Group predicts full-year results in line with expectations as it prepares investor event
The FTSE 100-listed equipment rental company said it had continued to perform well in the fourth quarter
Ashtead's finance director steps down as Trump and hurricanes lift quarterly earnings
Ashtead saw strong demand in its US division as it supported clean-up efforts after hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
FTSE 100 closes 30 points ahead as Dow Jones turns negative
The UK premier index added 0.43% on the day, while FTSE 250 added over 123 points at 19,690.
Investments and investor services
Ashtead set for Hurricanes and tax cuts boost
Ashtead Group and JustEat are expected to be among the highlight names in Tuesday's agenda.
Archive
Investors set to tuck into tasty results from Domino's Pizza and Just Eat
The week ahead sees earnings from Domino's Pizza, Just Eat, Restaurant Group, Legal & General, G4S, Rolls-Royce, Ashtead and Immarsat
FTSE 100 closes 2.64% lower as stock chaos continues
FTSE 100 closed 2.64% lower, or 193 points, at 7,141 amid chaotic US trading
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 extends losing streak to four days; ABF top loser
The FTSE 100 closed lower on Thursday as there was no clear direction across global equities
Archive
Royal Mail’s Christmas performance under the microscope on Thursday
As well as Royal Mail, updates are expected from Costa Coffee owner Whitbread and Associated British Foods - the parent company of Primark
Serco, Equiniti and Page Group downgraded by Credit Suisse amid Brexit uncertainty
Credit Suisse has adjusted its ratings and target prices on a number of business service stocks
FTSE 100 reverses and closes in red as City packs up for Christmas
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says that UK GDP grew by 1.7% in the three months to September
Ashtead shares fall after Citigroup downgrades stock to 'neutral'
Ashtead's second quarter earnings and revenue beat Citigroup's expectations
FTSE 100 slips slightly to close in the red after swinging between gains and losses
The FTSE 100 finally gave up and settled in the red, albeit slightly down ahead of BoE's monetary policy decision on Thursday
Ashtead chairman to step down as it lifts full year outlook after hurricanes boost profits
Ashtead said it would start a share buyback programme of between £500mln and £1bn over the next 18 months
FTSE 100 closes higher as energy stocks provide a boost; supermarkets weigh
Robert Walters sprang a pleasant surprise on the market with an unscheduled trading update.
Archive
UK inflation numbers key Bank of England pointer as Federal Reserve starts final meeting of 2017
Day Ahead includes latest UK inflation numbers, plus the start of the last two-day Federal Reserve meeting of 2017, plus updates from Ashtead Group and Balfour Beatty
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes higher as miners gain and sterling slides
The FTSE 100 closed the day higher, as the weak pound helped, while other European indices lagged
Archive
Federal Reserve Grinch to dominate among upcoming central bank rate decisions
The Week Ahead will be dominated by interest rate decisions from the US Federal Reserve, Bank of England and ECB, plus UK inflation and results from Ashtead Group, TUI, and Dixons Caphone among others
Ashtead to be a clear beneficiary of any US tax cuts
US economic and construction indicators remain positive and should provide a supportive environment for Ashtead.
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes in red as market awaits US jobs report
UK stocks could do with a catalyst and tomorrow's US jobs numbers might provide it
FTSE 100 closes higher; miners lag and Brexit wranglings continue
FTSE 100 closed over 38 points higher on the day to 7,338; FTSE 250 shares added over 81
Mixed earnings read-across for blue chips Ashtead Group and WPP
A look at some of the biggest risers and fallers today in London
Ashtead expects demand to rise in the US after Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey
Ashtead reported an increase in first quarter profits and revenue with growth across its two businesses in the UK and North America
FTSE 100 closes lower as pound strengthens and inflation rises
As trading in London draws to a close, all eyes turn to the launch of Apple's latest iPhone which is scheduled to take place at 6pm UK time
Archive
Apple's latest iPhone launch to push UK inflation numbers into the shade
Day ahead includes the launch of Apple Inc's iPhone 8, the August UK inflation numbers, and first quarter results from FTSE 100 equipment hire firm Ashtead Group
Archive
Carney & Co in the crosshairs, plus key UK data and updates from Next, Morrisons and Wetherspoon
Week ahead includes latest Bank of England policy meeting, UK data on inflation, unemployment, wages and retail sales, plus corporate updates from Next, Associated British Foods, Wm Morrison Supermarkets, and JD Wetherspoon
What’s in store for Kingfisher investors on Thursday?
The B&Q owner's French business has overshadowed recent decent performances, will it blight the next figures?
FTSE 100 ends almost 57 higher buoyed by retailers
London markets started the day on the front foot and haven't looked back ...
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes higher as Chinese data bolsters miners
The blue-chip index has traded sideways since about 8.30 this morning
FTSE 100 reverses gains to close lower ahead of US rate decision
Bellway's bullish trading statement sparked buying activity across the sector
Ashtead Group's full year profit rises 7% on strong demand for industrial equipment hire
Ashtead stands to benefit from US President Donald Trump's plans to increase spending on infrastructure
Archive
Merlin Entertainments faces uncertain outlook after UK terrorist attacks as it posts trading update
A look at the day ahead including a trading update from Merlin Entertainments, full year results from Ashtead and UK inflation data
FTSE 100 finishes lower amid UK political uncertainty and US tech sell-off
Around 8.45am, the UK blue chip index was about 24 points lower at 7,503, having gained around 1% on Friday after international stocks benefited from sterling’s falls
Archive
Tesco set for strongest quarter in seven years
Week ahead: Tesco, Merlin Entertainments, Capita, Bellway,
FTSE 100 closes lower as Britain heads to the polls
The blue chip FTSE 100 index closed 28 points down at 7,449
Footsie ends the week in profit as US stocks extend rally
Concerns over "the Donald" appear to be easing, and investors took the opportunity to return to equity markets
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes lower as Trump slump continues
Well, it's not a triple digit fall for the FTSE 100 on Thursday
FTSE 100 closes lower as Trump fears grow; Dow Jones crashes
The UK blue chip index closed down 18.56 points at 7,503
FTSE 100 ends tough week on a flat note
Friday was a bit of a wash-out, with the Footsie ending little changed after a rough week
FTSE 100 closes in positive territory as traders brush off potential threats
The index of blue-chip shares fell six points to 7,108.53.
Ashtead expands in the US with acquisition of Pride Equipment
Ashtead has expanded its US business with the acquisition of Pride Equipment Corp following strong growth in the market
FTSE 100 recoups some losses but Brexit worries weigh
Europe again dominated the mood in London after Article 50 day
Ashtead Group's quarterly results boosted by weak post Brexit pound, growth in US
Ashtead will continue to monitor the possible impact of Brexit on its UK business while the US division stands to benefit from President Donald Trump's pledge to boost infrastructure spending
Archive
FTSE shares fall ahead of Budget, as Paddy Power Betfair slumps
FTSE 100 shares end lower on Tuesday ahead of the Spring Budget speech on Wednesday and as Paddy Power Betfair shares slump
Archive
Discount rate change has probably put paid to hopes for special divi from Direct Line
Before the Lord Chancellor stuck her oar in, Direct Line had hinted another special divi might be unveiled at the time of the full-year results
Archive
Limited wiggle in the Budget for Hammond
The Chancellor of the Exchequer may have a lower debt burden to deal with than he was expecting at the time of the Autumn Statement but he is unlikely to splurge
FTSE stocks mark record highs with Wall St as Trump boosts construction, commodity stocks
FTSE 100 stocks, just like Wall Street, defied soothsayers’ prognoses that investors didn’t much like a threadbare speech to Congress from US President Donald Trump overnight, and pledged their vote to his spending ambitions as record heigh
FTSE 100 closes higher with banks betting on March US rate hike
FTSE 100 shares closed higher on Wednesday, led by banking shares which teamed up with their Wall Street brethren to cheer on what may be a US rate hike as soon as March
FTSE 100 closes up but unfettered by Brexit plans or Dow’s 20K ascent
In New York, the US blue chip index was up over 150 points to 20,064, the first time it has exceeded the psychologically significant 20,000 level in intraday trading.
FTSE 100: the good, the bad, and the ugh!
It was a fantastic year for the miners, less so for the airlines and the retailers.
Archive
FTSE 100 closes on new high, boosted by precious metals miners
The 'Santa rally' and a strong showing from miners meant the UK premier index closed up around 37 points
Ashtead Group higher as Credit Suisse 'materially' raises its target price and estimates
In a note to clients, analysts at the Swiss Bank retained a ‘neutral’ rating on the stock but raised their target price to 1,520p a share, up from 1,150p previously.
Ashtead says full-year results will beat expectations
Rental growth has been strong, while its foreign earnings have been boosted by the weak pound.
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 stocks end near session highs thanks to banks
FTSE 100 shares closed near their highest point of the session on Tuesday, but no thanks to spread-betting stocks after the UK’s top regulator proposed stricter rules for the sector
Archive
BRC to reveal impact of Black Friday 'week'
“Significantly, an increasing amount of Black Friday purchases are occurring on the internet, so retailers are benefiting to varying degrees.“
Archive
WEEK AHEAD: The panto season is upon us, and lead villain Mike Ashley is due on stage
He's already told us he's not Santa, but can Mike Ashley deliver a Christmas present for Sports Direct investors?
More to come for Ashtead and US plant hire firms from Trump plans
Shares in the sector have already soared between soared between 20%-49% since 8 November, but there is more to go for.
Buckle up for a prolonged period of market volatility
As game changers go, Donald Trump becoming president is a biggie. Mike Ingram of BGC reckons "the world is palpably a more uncertain place" now.
FTSE 100 shares close higher after Trump victory speech
FTSE 100 shares closed higher on Wednesday in a snap back from initial losses on news of Donald Trump's US presidential election victory
Ashtead Group is on a Swiss roll
Credit Suisse upgrades plant hire company to 'neutral' from 'underperform'
UK shares end lower as trade data fails to excite post-Brexit
UK stocks ended sharply lower on Friday, never once turning into the black, after trade data failed to ignite excitement among investors
UK shares end higher as higher oil puts downbeat mixed output data in the shade
London shares closed firmer on Wednesday as mixed-to-downbeat manufacturing data was counterweighed by upbeat oil prices
PREVIEW: Will Dechra Pharmaceuticals live up to heightened expectations?
Dechra Pharmaceuticals, housebuilders Berkeley and Barratt, Halfords, Dixons Carphone, and JD Whetherspoon are on the agenda.
London shares hit fresh 14-month highs as brokers say weaker sterling could be good
London blue-chip and mid-cap stocks closed higher on Monday and both indices marked a fresh 14-month high with healthcare equipment, miners, pharma and biotech sectors driving the gains
Archive
Deutsche Bank sees haven in publishing stocks
A look at some broker upraded and downgraded on Friday
FTSE 100 closes sharply lower on EU poll jitters
FTSE100 shares closed sharply lower on Tuesday amid falling oil prices and EU referendum jitters, whose downbeat theme was only shattered by takeover news at Premier Farnell PLC and positive feedback from brokers on Ted Baker
Footsie dives but Premier Farnell rallies on takeover bid
Miners and commodity stocks fell as the price of a barrel of Brent crude fell 1.4%
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 Index plummets amid oil and EU vote jitters
Miners and commodity stocks fell as the price of a barrel of Brent crude fell 1.4% to US$49.65
FTSE 100 tail-spin continues, albeit in slow motion
The story of the Footsie in recent days has sounded like a Status Quo song: down, down, deeper and down
Preview: Ashtead set to take hit from lower oil prices
The company, which owns A-Plant in the UK, is expected to have kept up its double-digit growth rate
FTSE100 finishes positive; Immedia top London riser
UK shares remained in the blue to close Tuesday in positive territory.
Archive
Unilever catches Credit Suisse’s eye
Credit Suisse is bullish on consumer goods giant Unilever PLC ahead of first quarter results on April 14 and has ramped up the target price.
Credit Suisse downgrades Ashtead Group PLC on rental rate fears
Swiss broker reduces recommendation on plant hire company to 'underperform'
Ashtead profits rise but shares plummet on outlook fears
Plant hire group increased underlying pre-tax profits rose 20% to £482mln in the nine months to January 31
Risers & fallers: Tribal, Servelec, Atlas Development, Fresnillo..
Major share price risers and fallers in London at 4.30pm
Archive
FTSE100 falls as oil hopes rise; Glaxo bid talk swirls
Britain's blue chips closed the afternoon session lower after uninspiring UK economic data and as energy powerhouse Centrica weighed.
FTSE100 dips as Osborne acknowledges market turmoil
FTSE 100 was 36 points lower at 5,954 as US markets pointed to a flat start
Investments and investor services
Risers & Fallers: Centrica, Tesco and Arian Silver
Equipment hire firm Ashtead was dented as investors reacted to the warning signals coming via a rivals weak earnings report.
Investors look for safety but stockpicking still has its place
While you can hold almost anything in an ETF these days, traditional stock picking still retains some appeal.
Ashtead advances after revealing “strong” first half
City broker Investec says the results should dilute concerns over Ashtead's exposure to the oil sector.
Investments and investor services
FTSE100 rises as miners and Ashtead make gains
The miners helped boost the FTSE100, which was around 25 points higher
Tuesday’s agenda - Investors await Ashtead results
The equipment hire group had already indicated significant profit momentum in the second quarter, according to broker Numis.
Week Ahead: MPC unlikely to rock the boat
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to leave its base rate unchanged; the question is, how many committee members will vote for change?
Shares take roller-coaster ride as US job data falls short of hopes
Footsie rebounds as miners rise on stable copper prices and oil majors fall