 |
This morning, European shares rose in early trading. At 8:17 am, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was up 0.6% at 1,325.91 points.
British Energy rose on bid rumours while mining stocks increased on higher metal prices and bullish brokerage comment.
Anglo American, Antofagasta, BHP Billiton, Vedanta, Kazakhmys and Rio Tinto all increased between 2 and 4% as the sector was driven by a positive note from Goldman Sachs.
Swiss investment bank UBS increased 4.3% following a Merrill Lynch upgrade. Over the weekend, the bank has been under pressure as its former chief executive is calling for a break-up of the group. The Swiss banking giant has been the biggest casualty of the credit squeeze.
Shares in British Energy increased 3.5% after a report Centrica had launched negotiations with France’s EDF over a joint bid for it.
There is speculation that Nestlé will increase its stake in L’Oreal resulting in a 4.4% rise in the cosmetcs company.
Finally, Nestlé increased 3.3% after Novartis AG agreed to buy its 77% stake in US company Alcon for $39 billion to improve its eye care business.
Takeover talks end at Mapeley, shares plummet
Mapeley has confirmed it has ended takeover discussions with an un-named suitor, sending its shares plummeting 14.3%. The UK property investment and outsourcing...
U.K. March Factory Prices rise to highest levels in nine years
The U.K. factory-price index rose last month March to its highest level since 1999, as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplys gauge of producer price...
Bloomsbury profits soar following release of final Harry Potter book
Publisher Bloomsbury said its profits soared last year after the release of the final Harry Potter book. The firm said it was confident now in the post Harry Po...
Property in Manhattan at an 18 year Low
Apartment sales in the luxury honey pot that is Manhatten have slumped to an 18 year low in the first quarter as the threats of recession looms large coupled wi...
Property in Manhattan at an 18 year Low
Apartment sales in the luxury honey pot that is Manhatten have slumped to an 18 year low in the first quarter as the threats of recession looms large coupled wi...