FTSE 100 Seen Opening Lower After UK Employment Data
0735 GMT - The FTSE 100 is seen opening slightly lower as investors digest the latest U.K. labor market data that showed the unemployment rate remained steady and wage growth accelerated. IG futures data show the London index of blue-chip stocks opening down 5 points. The U.K.'s unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7% in the three months to November compared with the previous three month period, according to the Office for National Statistics Tuesday. Economists polled by the WSJ expected the rate to rise to 3.8%. Average weekly earnings excluding bonuses increased 6.4% in the three-month period, more than the 6.3% rise expected and compared to 6.1% growth in the previous three months. (renae.dyer@wsj.com)
Companies News:
Anglo American Appoints Alison Atkinson Group Director Projects & Development
Anglo American PLC said Tuesday that Alison Atkinson has been appointed group director Projects & Development, a new role within the company, and that this will be effective during the second quarter of 2023.
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Diageo Agrees to Buy Don Papa Rum for Up to $473 Mln
Diageo PLC said Tuesday that it has agreed to acquire Don Papa Rum, a dark rum from the Philippines, for a potential total consideration of up to 437.5 million euros ($473.4 million).
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Experian Backs FY 2023 Guidance After 3Q Organic Revenue Grew
Experian PLC said Tuesday that organic revenue grew 6% at constant exchange rates in the third quarter and backed its full-year guidance.
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Ocado 4Q Retail Revenue Rose; Backs FY 2022 Views
Ocado Group PLC backed its fiscal 2022 guidance on Tuesday supported by a robust fourth-quarter performance and said it has started the new fiscal year with a record Christmas performance.
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M&G Names Joseph Pinto CEO of Asset Management Arm as Jonathan Daniels Retires
M&G PLC said Tuesday that Joseph Pinto has been appointed chief executive officer of M&G Asset Management, replacing Jonathan Daniels, who is retiring.
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Wise Raises FY 2023 Guidance After Interest-Boosted 3Q Revenue
Wise PLC on Tuesday raised its full-year guidance again as it posted a 50% rise in its third-quarter revenue, boosted by higher interest income.
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Crest Nicholson 2022 Pretax Profit Fell on Exceptional Items, Sales Slowed at Year End
Crest Nicholson Holdings PLC said Tuesday that 2022 reported pretax profit fell despite higher revenue, due to exceptional items, and that its sales rate slowed in the final weeks of the year.
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Ninety One's Assets Under Management Rose Slightly on Quarter in 3Q
Ninety One PLC on Tuesday said that its assets under management for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 saw a slight on-quarter rise but fell compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
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Quiz December Revenue Rose on Strong Demand
Quiz PLC said Tuesday that revenue increased in December, driven by a strong consumer demand.
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THG PLC Reports Record 2022 Revenue; Reviewing Loss-Making OnDemand Unit
THG PLC on Tuesday reported a record group revenue for 2022, with growth in its three core business, and said that it has started a review of the loss-making categories and territories within the THG OnDemand unit.
Market Talk:
Rio Tinto 4Q Pilbara Iron-Ore Shipments Beat Expectations
0235 GMT - Rio Tinto reported 4Q Pilbara iron-ore shipments that were in line with guidance but better than expected, Jefferies analysts say in a note. Its 4Q Pilbara shipments totaled 87.3 million metric tons, 2% higher than Jefferies had forecast. Copper and bauxite volumes were, however, lower than the analysts had anticipated. Shares in the miner are down 1.4% in Sydney, at A$120.45/share, mirroring a broad fall in Australian mining stocks. The Jefferies analysts say they expect Rio Tinto to benefit from higher-than-expected prices for iron ore over the short to medium term, but that "short-term profit-taking is a risk." (rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com; @RhiannonHoyle)
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Rio Tinto Expects High Volatility Amid China Covid-19 Surge
2223 GMT - The end to China's zero-Covid approach, and subsequent surge in infections, "bring high volatility in the coming quarter, with increased short-term risks of supply chain disruptions and labor shortages," Rio Tinto says in a quarterly report. The mining giant acknowledges Beijing continues to provide support to its economy on several fronts, including to its infrastructure and property sectors, which are big users of commodities such as steel ingredient iron ore and copper. "Although more financing is being provided, consumers remain cautious of the property market," Rio Tinto says. "The country's trade balance remains healthy," it adds, "but slowing global demand poses downside risks to exports." (rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com; @RhiannonHoyle)
Contact: London NewsPlus, Dow Jones Newswires; Dow Jones Newswires; paul.larkins@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
01-17-23 0257ET
