FTSE 100 to Open Higher Even After Weaker UK GDP Data
0740 GMT - The FTSE 100 is seen opening higher even after data showed U.K. economic growth slowed in the third quarter. Spreadbetting firm IG expects the London index of blue-chip stocks to rise 17 points. U.K. gross domestic product rose by a quarterly 1.3% in the July-September quarter, slightly less than the 1.5% increase expected by economists in a WSJ survey and compared to 5.5% growth in the previous quarter. "The slowdown we are currently experiencing is coming from a much higher level and as such may be easier to absorb, although concerns over higher inflation could act as a brake in Q4," CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson says. (renae.dyer@wsj.com)
Companies News:
B&M Reports 1H Profit Rise, Good Stock Availability for Christmas Season
B&M European Value Retail S.A. on Thursday reported an improved profit for the first half of the year, and said that it is fully-stocked heading into the peak trading season.
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Smiths to Start GBP742 Mln Share Buyback on Nov 19
Smiths Group PLC said Thursday that it intends to start its 742 million pounds ($994.9 million) share buyback program next week, and that its first-quarter performance was in line with expectations.
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Taylor Wimpey Sees 2021 Results in Line, Inflation Managed
Taylor Wimpey PLC said Thursday that its second-half performance to date has been good with house-price inflation fully offsetting build cost inflation, and expects full-year results to meet previous guidance.
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3i Group 1H Profit Rose, Finance Director to Retire in 2022
3i Group PLC on Thursday reported a rise in pretax operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2022 and said that its finance director will step down next year.
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Burberry Resumes Dividend After 1H Pretax Profit Rose
Burberry Group PLC on Thursday returned to the dividend list as it reported a rise in pretax profit for the first half of fiscal 2022 with revenue back at pre-pandemic levels.
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BAE Systems to Acquire Bohemia Interactive Simulations
BAE Systems PLC said Thursday that it has agreed to acquire Bohemia Interactive Simulations for an undisclosed sum.
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Auto Trader 1H Pretax Profit Rose
Auto Trader Group PLC said Thursday that pretax profit for the first half of fiscal 2022 rose as revenue increased, and that the stock lever--which shows year-over-year movement--will likely represent a small headwind for the full year.
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Mediclinic 1H Pretax Profit Rose; Raises Guidance
Mediclinic International PLC said Thursday that pretax profit rose as revenue increased for the first half of fiscal 2022, and it raised its revenue guidance for the year.
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Aviva's Nine-Month New Business Increased, Saving Targets on Track
Aviva PLC on Thursday reported a 11% rise in new business for the first nine months of the year and said that it is on track to meet cost-saving targets.
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Johnson Matthey Aims to Sell Battery-Materials Business
Johnson Matthey PLC said Thursday that it intends to sell its battery-materials business as it doesn't expect it to generate enough returns, and forecast full-year earnings will be toward the lower end of expectations.
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Johnson Matthey CEO to Step Down; Liam Condon Named as Replacement
Johnson Matthey PLC said Thursday that Chief Executive Robert MacLeod intends to retire in February, and named Liam Condon as his successor.
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TI Fluid Systems Investor Sells 40 Mln Shares at 250 Pence Each
J.P. Morgan Securities PLC said Thursday that it has sold 40 million shares in TI Fluid Systems PLC on behalf of BC Omega Holdco, Ltd. at 250 pence each, as first announced late Wednesday.
Market Talk:
BP Considers Selling Small Stake In Aker BP
1303 ET - BP PLC and Aker ASA are exploring the sale of a possible 5% stake in their jointly owned company Aker BP. If the sale goes ahead BP would sell a stake of around 2.1%, the company says. Bernard Looney, BP's CEO says, "these divestment proceeds will be expected to further strengthen BP's balance sheet and support our ongoing buyback commitment." (Sarah.McFarlane@wsj.com)
Contact: London NewsPlus, Dow Jones Newswires; Dow Jones Newswires; paul.larkins@wsj.com