Expert views
Commentary submitted by Russ Mould in their own words.
Back to profileHalfords gets sales boost after garages makeover and e-bikes push
Halfords’ results show the business is putting the pedal to the metal with its network of garages acting as an engine for growth.
Ramsdens to be snapped up by rival US pawnbroker for £206m
FirstCash’s £203 million swoop to own all of Ramsdens makes perfect sense.
Royal Mail increases annual earnings despite staff cost pressures
The privatisation of Royal Mail generated plenty of investor enthusiasm which wasn’t matched by the company’s showing as a public company.
City watchdog closes Drax biomass probe after sustainability concerns
Question marks over Drax’s sustainability credentials – in relation to its biomass operations – have loomed over the business for some time.
Oil prices drop further below 80 dollars a barrel as US-Iran peace deal signed
Oil has now fallen by 30 per cent in just over four weeks, wiping out much of the increases seen since the start of the war in late February.
Bookings rise at Premier Inn owner Whitbread amid leisure demand
Whitbread is still struggling to win over the market despite an upbeat trading statement.
Tesco sales growth slows amid ‘uncertainty’ linked to Iran conflict
Chief executive Ken Murphy delivered a dose of caution in his commentary on the outlook.
Sigma Healthcare pulls out of Boots takeover talks
The chances of retail group Boots making a stock market return after nearly two decades have increased.
Ryanair investigated over charging parents to sit with their children on flights
It feels as if Ryanair has looked at every possible way to squeeze money out of customers.
Wizz Air sees earnings drop after £43 million hit from Iran war
While Wizz Air’s reported net profit has evaporated, its full-year operating profit was better than expected.
Homebuyer interest dipped after mortgage rates rise, builder Bellway says
The go-go days of Help-to-Buy, government support schemes and zero-interest rates are now just a distant memory for housebuilders.
LadBible owner alerts over profits once more amid hit to search traffic
The challenge is to convince the market that the problem areas of LBG’s business can be managed.