Business Live updates European stock markets are pointing higher after the first round of the French election gave the National Rally party a smaller-than-expected lead. The Cac 40 in Paris is seen rising by more than 2% following a recent run of losses, while the euro has also strengthened overnight. London shares are poised to start the new quarter in robust fashion, with the FTSE 100 index set to open 46 points higher at 8210.
Asia markets are also in positive territory as further expansion in China’s manufacturing sector resulted in June’s PMI reading beating hopes at 51.8. US markets finished in the red on Friday as weaker tech stocks left the S&P 500 index down 0.
4% and the Nasdaq off 0.7%. Shares in shipbuilding business Harland & Wolff are to be suspended after the company failed to publish its annual results on time.
The firm said delays to its results were caused by “ongoing discussions with its auditors regarding revenue recognition relating to the multi-year and complex nature of some of the contracts under which the Company is working.” It said its annual report was set to be published during the week beginning 8 July, more than a week past the deadline according to AIM rules, and that shares would be suspended until that time. Good morning from the Standard City desk.
Shein’s prospective London IPO might fetch a market value of £50 billion, supposedly, a tasty amount for a market that has been starved of floats for several years. But even if the alleg.
