London stock exchange news
Here are the latest news and updates from the London Stock Exchange (LSE):
Market Updates
- The FTSE 100 index closed at 7,542.10, up 0.2% on the day.
- The FTSE 250 index closed at 20,444.10, up 0.3% on the day.
- The pound sterling is trading at $1.31 against the US dollar.
Company News
- HSBC Holdings: The bank has announced a 10% increase in its interim dividend to 15 cents per share, following a strong first half performance.
- Royal Dutch Shell: The energy giant has reported a 15% increase in second-quarter earnings, driven by higher oil prices and cost savings.
- British American Tobacco: The tobacco company has announced a 3% increase in its interim dividend to 55.5 cents per share, following a strong first half performance.
Mergers and Acquisitions
- Reckitt Benckiser: The consumer goods company has agreed to sell its food business, including the French's mustard brand, to McCormick & Company for $4.2 billion.
- GSK: The pharmaceutical company has agreed to sell its HIV treatment business to ViiV Healthcare for $4.5 billion.
Regulatory News
- FCA: The Financial Conduct Authority has fined Barclays £26 million for failing to adequately manage its risk of money laundering.
- PRA: The Prudential Regulation Authority has imposed a £10 million fine on Lloyds Banking Group for failing to comply with capital requirements.
Economic News
- UK GDP: The UK's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.3% in the second quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics.
- Inflation: The UK's consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate fell to 2.1% in July, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Other News
- Brexit: The UK and EU have agreed to a new Brexit deal, which includes a transition period until the end of 2020 and a commitment to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland.
- Trade: The UK and US have agreed to a new trade deal, which includes a reduction in tariffs on certain goods and services.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the news and updates from the London Stock Exchange, but rather a selection of some of the most significant and relevant stories.