UK Stocks – Things to Watch August 15

Britain’s FTSE 100 index opens higher on Tuesday, with futures up 0.15%.

* 888 HOLDINGS: British financier 888 Holdings said it does not expect any operational impact from an ongoing investigation by the UK gambling regulator, following a 9% rise in profits in the first half of the year helped by effective cost-cutting measures.

* M&S: Marks & Spencer raised its earnings forecast and said it continues to gain market share in the clothing, household and food sectors.

* WAGE: UK basic wages have risen to

This adds to the Bank of England’s concerns about long-term inflationary pressures, even after 14 consecutive rate hikes.

* STERLING: Sterling

rose tuesday

after data showed UK wages rose at a record pace in the second quarter.

* LEGAL & GENERAL: Legal & General reported a better-than-expected operating profit of £941 million ($1.20 billion) in the first half, boosted by its annuity business, and said it was on track to meet its five-year targets.

* JUST GROUP: British insurance specialist Just Group reported a 154% increase in profits in the first half of the year, beating market estimates.

* BP: BP has invested in a startup developing technology to use industrial steam to significantly reduce the cost of producing carbon-free hydrogen.

* ASTON MARTIN: Former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has joined Brill Power as chairman to help the British battery sensor maker build its business with major carmakers and the energy storage industry, the company said.

* For more information on factors affecting Europe’s balance, click:

TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS

> Financial Times

> Other business headlines ($1 = 0.7868 pounds) (Reporting by Zainab Saifee in Bengaluru)

[ad_2]