Expert views
Commentary submitted by Dan Coatsworth in their own words.
Back to profilePremier Inn owner Whitbread set for lower-than-expected business rates hit
There are tentative signs of progress in the UK after a gloomy period.
Sainsbury’s festive grocery sales sparkle but non-food arm and Argos struggle
There are a lot of similarities between Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer – both have strong food arms offsetting weakness elsewhere.
Glencore shares surge after confirming talks with Rio Tinto over mega-merger
The mining sector cannot give up on the mantra that bigger is better.
Greggs serves up Christmas sales boost despite ‘challenging’ market
Weak consumer confidence and extra costs linked to supply chain initiatives don’t bode well for margins short-term.
Everyman boss leaves weeks after profit alert
The share price fell by 76% during Alex Scrimgeour’s tenure and time had run out.
Trump’s son-in-law withdraws backing for Paramount’s hostile bid for Warner Bros
It’s possible that Warner Bros’ drama will carry on into the new year, and markets are going to be munching on popcorn waiting to see how it ends.
Profit warning at Card Factory amid weak consumer confidence
It blames a weak UK high street, but it’s hard to look past the fact that a first-class stamp now costs more than one of its Christmas cards.
WH Smith delays results again after accounting errors
The share price collapsed as the market feared the former UK high street staple was not the rock-solid business that people previously thought.
Pre-Budget jitters blamed for surprise contraction in economy
It’s a disastrous situation for Rachel Reeves, who put economic growth at the heart of her Budget plan.
Anglo American secures shareholder backing for £37.5 billion Teck merger
The combined Anglo/Teck group will be a big player in the copper market, where the outlook for the metal price is red hot.
Cinema chain Everyman to miss forecasts amid weak UK box office
If the schedule looks weak, people aren’t going to leave the house to see something on the big screen.
Trump says Netflix £54bn takeover of Warner Bros ‘could be a problem’
Trump wants to bring some pizzazz back to Hollywood.