Expert views
Commentary submitted by Derren Nathan in their own words.
Back to profileTui sees improvement in under-pressure bookings
Forecasts point to improved profitability next year at €1.5bn but getting there won’t be without challenges.
Tui profits slump as Iran war hits holiday demand
It’s still all to play for with Tui typically making most of its money in the fourth quarter.
Tui profits slump as Iran war hits holiday demand
Management pointed to conflict in the Middle East as a drag on demand, but a spell of ideal weather may also have played a part.
BP profits soar to four-year high after boost from Iran war
Meg O’Neill’s first full quarter at the helm of BP has come alongside some bumper profits and a welcome reduction in net debt.
Shell half-year earnings soar to £12.6bn on Iran war oil price volatility
As expected, Shell’s integrated gas production was adversely impacted by the closure of its Qatari LNG facility following Iranian missile strikes in March.
Mining giant Rio Tinto is heading for a good year
Rio Tinto’s been pulling more metal out of the ground in the first half of the year.
Pubs, clubs and music venues to get 20% cut to business rates from April
Mitchells & Butlers investors might normally expect hot weather to be good news for its pubs, but with an estate that includes Toby Carvery and Miller & Carter steakhouses, it has been struggling to fill its tables, with a decline in like-for-like food sales offsetting a 2.6 per cent increase in drinks sales. While the unfavourable timing of the Easter weekend took some froth off the top, this was an underwhelming performance against the backdrop of a strong run for England in the World Cup.
Bookings rise at Premier Inn owner Whitbread amid leisure demand
Around two-thirds of the growth was organic, with the rest from new rooms.
Oil rises and stock markets under pressure as Middle East conflict steps up
Brent crude oil prices have reversed most of last week’s falls, rising nearly five per cent to over $97 per barrel.
UK economy records strongest quarterly growth in a year
The initial ONS estimate for first quarter UK GDP has come in better than expected rising 0.6 per cent (consensus 0.5 per cent) compared to the upwardly revised fourth quarter of 2025.
Imperial brands releases mixed update
Strong pricing in tobacco has offset continuing volume declines.
Early Easter adds to woe of retailers suffering from low consumer confidence
The British Retail Consortium April report showed a three per cent decline in retail sales for April.