Gold futures retraced on Tuesday as upbeat US economic data stoked worries about higher interest rates in the US, eclipsing safe-haven demand for gold amid continuing geopolitical tensions.
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Apple shares closed at their highest ever level on Tuesday as investors looked ahead to next month's launch of iPhone 6. The company ended at $100.53, up 1.4 per cent for the day, and the highest closing level ever when adjusted for June's 7-for-1 stock split.
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Swiss commodities traders Glencore (GLEN) announced plans to return $1bn to investors over the next six months through a share buyback. The surprise news on the return accompanied half-year figures that analysts' expectations due to a strong performance from Glencore’s marketing arm. Adjusted net income rose to $2.01bn from a restated $1.9bn a year earlier.
Silver miner Hochschild Mining (HOC) reported a 4 per cent rise in first-half adjusted core earnings, helped by its aggressive cost-cutting programme and increased output from its mines in Peru and Argentina.
Robinson (RBN) booked a first-half pretax profit of £0.31m, from a profit of £2.21m a year earlier. Revenue was £10.89m, broadly unchanged. The prior period was boosted by a £1.05m exceptional gain, whereas the just-finished six months took in a £0.36m exceptional cost.
Recruitment group Harvey Nash (HVN) expects its interim results for the six months to the end of July to be in line with its forecasts, despite currency headwinds. The group said its performance in the UK, Ireland and US was strong. Asia also performed well. In mainland Europe contracting activity was strong, offsetting subdued demand for permanent recruitment, particularly in Germany.
VP (VP.) revealed said it has maintained the excellent business momentum seen early in the year and reported at its AGM in July. This trend has continued into August with good demand, in particular, from infrastructure and housebuilding, and a gradual improvement in general construction.
Chariot Oil & Gas (CHAR), the Atlantic margins focused oil and gas exploration company, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Chariot Brasil Petróleo e Gas Ltda., has signed a farm-out agreement with AziLat Limited
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Shares in Danish brewer Carlsberg were on the slide after the company announced its second profit warning this year, as the effect of ecnomic sanctions on Russia begins to show.
