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Passenger numbers soar at Heathrow
Heathrow posted an historic surge in passenger numbers on Wednesday, but warned that current government policies were "curtailing" the UK's competitiveness.
GSK's endometrial cancer drug receives FDA approval
Drugmaker GSK said on Wednesday that the US Food and Drug Administration has accepted a supplemental Biologics License Application for Jemperli, its drug aimed at treating endometrial cancer.
Europe open: Shares up amid Q1 updates, but Nagel comments weigh
European shares edged higher at the open on Wednesday as the UK's FTSE 100 posted another intra-day record, but comments from a European Central Bank policy maker on rate cuts also tempered sentiment.
London open: Reckitt, mining stocks push FTSE 100 to new heights
UK stocks reached another record on Wednesday morning as strong gains from Reckitt Benckiser and the mining sector provided a lift early on.
Mitie slumps as Alchemy sells 40m shares in placing
Mitie shares slumped on Wednesday after investment fund Alchemy sold 40m shares in the outsourcing and energy services company in a placing.
Abrdn AUM rises 3% in first quarter as flows rebound
Investment manager Abrdn recorded net inflows of £800m in the first quarter of the year, driven by stronger markets.
Fresnillo retains guidance despite drop in Q1 output
Shares in silver miner Fresnillo dipped on Wednesday after the company reported a drop in both gold and silver output over the first three months of the year.
Reckitt on track to deliver FY targets as Q1 LFL sales rise
Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser said on Wednesday that it was on track to deliver its full-year revenue and profit targets as it posted a rise in first-quarter like-for-like net sales.
Lloyds Q1 profit falls; Reckitt on track for FY targets
London open The FTSE 100 was being called to open around 0. 6% higher than Tuesday's close of 8,044. 81.
PZ Cussons to sell St Tropez tanning brand, evaluate Africa options
PZ Cussons said on Wednesday that it was planning to sell the St Tropez tanning brand and is reviewing its operations in Africa, as it backed its profit outlook for 2024.
Aviva targets £100m operating profit from health by 2026
UK insurer Aviva said it aimed to deliver £100m of health operating profit by 2026.
Lloyds Bank holds guidance as Q1 profit falls £28% on margin squeeze
Lloyds Bank held annual guidance despite a 28% fall in first-quarter profits due to lower net interest income and higher operating expenses, as competition for mortgages and savings squeezed margins.
Haleon nabs finance chief from Tate & Lyle as CFO steps down
The chief financial officer of consumer health company Haleon is to step down after three years and will be replaced by Tate & Lyle's CFO Dawn Allen.
Croda backs FY profit guidance even as Q1 sales decline
Croda backed its full-year profit guidance on Wednesday despite a decline in first-quarter sales, as it hailed an "encouraging" start to the year for the consumer care business.
Bunzl Q1 revenues fall on weaker US volumes, customer destocking
International distribution and services group Bunzl said revenue in the first quarter fell 2. 4% on a constant currency basis, driven by lower volumes in its US foodservice redistribution business, American retail customers clearing inventory and deflation.
London pre-open: Stocks to extend rally as Footsie eyes another record
UK stocks are expected to rise for the sixth straight day on Wednesday, with futures pointing to a third consecutive record for the FTSE 100.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: UK banks, Tesla, KPMG
UK banks are leaving themselves open to “severe, unexpected losses”, by failing to properly measure how exposed they are to the $8tn private equity industry, the Bank of England has warned. In a speech on Tuesday, Rebecca Jackson, a senior executive at the central bank, said there was a “creeping sense of complacency” among lenders, who – despite a boom in loans and financing to the sector – had almost no ability to put together data “or even appreciate its crucial importance”.
US close: Stocks higher as traders thumb over Q1 earnings
Wall Street stocks closed higher on Tuesday as corporate earnings began to roll in from a number of the nation's biggest firms.