Investments

M&S slashes dividend as profits tumble

Marks & Spencer's (M&S) share price slumped nearly 5 per cent this morning, after the retailer unveiled that annual profits were down by £400m and that the Group would be slashing its dividend to 15 pence. Retail stockbroker, The Share Centre advises M&S shareholders to sell citing better opportunities in the retail sector.

Indian election victory for UPA could be a ‘game-changer'

The Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex Index soared by 17% yesterday following the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance party's strong showing in the Indian parliamentary election.

Newcastle has ISAs all wrapped up

Newcastle Building Society is helping savers to get even more out of their tax free cash ISA allowance by enabling customers to consolidate their money across a number of cash ISAs this tax year.

F&C Investment Trust retains award for Best Report & Accounts

Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust (FCIT) last night picked up a prestigious award from the Association of Investment Companies for the second year running.

Mexico’s NAFTRAC joins the iShares family

The iShares family of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) today announced a significant expansion with the acquisition of NAFTRAC, the first and largest ETF in Mexico and Latin America.

Surge in retail share trading continues

Angus Rigby, Chief Executive Officer, TD Waterhouse comments: "TD Waterhouse customers vastly increased their purchasing activity this week, with over twice as many stocks bought than sold.

F&C REIT seeks up to £300m for UK commercial property fund

F&C REIT, the major property asset management business formed by the merger of F&C Asset Management's property division and REIT Asset Management last year, has today revealed details of its first fund launch.

IMA calls for reform of sterling corporate bond market

Following publication of an IMA-commissioned report, The Impact of the Credit Crunch on the Sterling Corporate Bond Market, the IMA has today published a position paper urging further action by regulators and market participants on reforms to promote a well functioning sterling corporate bond market.

Sterling corporate bond market structure affecting retail customers

A report commissioned by Investment Management Association (IMA) on the sterling corporate bond market observes that the current market structure is preventing direct retail participation in the corporate bond market.

Marsico: ‘Stress tests' relieve tension

The findings of the "stress tests" - a ‘what if' exercise conducted to see if US banks have sufficient capital to cope should the recession worsen - is likely to prove supportive of equity markets and signal a turning point, according to John Benson, a VP at Marsico Capital Management, sub-advisers to Gartmore.

Fixed rate bonds: To fix or not to fix?

Competition in the fixed rate bond market is returning, but should savers fix now, and for how long? Commenting, chartered financial planner at Fairinvestment.co.uk, Sharon Bratley said: "Savers have been hit hard by the credit crunch as interest rates dropped to record lows, and as they remain at record lows, it is encouraging that fixed rate bonds are offering such high rates in comparison.

BT must be more efficient

BT Group has announced plans to axe around 15,000 jobs as part of its strategy to increase efficiency. An investigation into BT's productivity by the popular financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk shows that further efficiency improvements could be required if BT is to raise its game in a competitive telecom sector.

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