Our Sector Focus this week, written by financial services correspondent Emma Powell, looks at the UK’s high street banks in the wake of their round of quarterly results and asks whether dividend potential in the sector is growing despite continued pressure on profits from litigation and low interest rates.
The week started with a major proposed deal in the grocery sector as Sainsbury and Asda revealed plans for a tie up which will catapult the combined business to number one in the sector, a deal which Mr Bearbull gave his verdict on yesterday. This is only the latest example of the mega money Mergers & Acquisitions activity which has kicked off this year. Megan Boxall’s News Spotlight this week highlights this growing trend.
Meanwhile, over the pond, tech giant Apple’s results were closely scrutinised this week for signs that its stellar growth rates might be coming under pressure – but record figures and another stonking share buy back plan reassured investors. Read Megan Boxall’s analysis of the figures.
