Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

HOW BRITAIN'S BIGGEST HAVE PERFORMED

Sunday 02 March 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The best performing stock in the FT-SE 100 this week was Standard Chartered, which gained 6.2 per cent after the company said pre-tax profit rose 32 per cent last year to pounds 870m on the back of a strong performance in personal banking in Hong Kong.

The worst performing stock was also a bank. National Westminster fell 6.6 per cent over the week as 1996 pre-tax profit dropped a worse-than- expected 36 per cent after extraordinary charges for selling its US retail bank and reorganisation charges wiped out gains in retail and investment banking. Late news that the company is to take a pounds 50m charge after finding "mispricing errors" in its interest-rate options records is expected to hurt it this week.

EMI, the music company, also fell 6.6 per cent on a warning that the strength of sterling could curb profits this financial year by up to pounds 25m. EMI generates about 75 per cent of sales outside the UK, predominantly in Europe.

The worst performing stock over the last three months - LucasVarity, which has fallen 17.2 per cent since the start of December - recovered some sparkle. It was the second biggest gainer in the week, up 5.2 per cent as brokers upgraded their recommendation for the shares. Copyright: IOS & Bloomberg.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in