Kier Group, up 1.3%, announces that it has appointed Louisa Finlay as Chief People Officer and as part of the Group's Executive Committee, with effect from 6 March 2023. Separately, the company announces that it has become a supporter of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which offers assistance to construction employees and their families in terms of mental, physical, and financial well-being.
Bango, up 8.3%, announced in its trading update for the twelve months ended 31 December 2022, that revenues jumped 59% to $32.9m (FY21 $20.7m). Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be atleast $4.1m (FY21 $6.1m), in line with expectations. Cash as at 31 December 2022 stood at $9.7m (30 June 2022: $5.7m). Additionally, the company announced that it will publish its 2022 annual results on 28 March 2023.
Gaming Realms, up 5.9%, announced that it has inked a brand licensing agreement with The Tetris Company, Inc. to develop Tetris® Slingo®, a new introduction to the Slingo franchise featuring the iconic T etrimino shapes.
Checkit, up 4.3%, announced that Senior Independent Non–Executive Director, John Wilson has decided to step down from his position, with immediate effect.
Tristel, down 6.8%, today, announced that its interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2022 will be published on 20 February 2023.
Netcall, down 3.8%, announced in its trading update for the six months ended 31 December 2022, that trading was in line with management expectations for the first half of FY23. Revenue for the first half of the year is estimated to rise 19.0% to £17.5m (H1 FY22: £14.7m) with forecasted adjusted earnings to increase 29.0% to £4.4m (H1 FY22: £3.4m). Net cash as at 31 December stood at £20.4m (30 June 2022: £14.1m). Also, the company has no debt. Further, it intends to release its interim results for the six-month period ended 31 December 2022 on 8 March 2023.
UK markets closed mostly lower last week, amid concerns over global economic slowdown. On the macro front, UK’s public sector net borrowing climbed to a record high in December, amid higher debt interest payments and the government’s support measures against soaring energy prices, while the nation’s services PMI dropped more than anticipated in January. Additionally, UK’s producer prices slowed in December, amid drop in petrol prices. Meanwhile, Britain’s manufacturing PMI unexpectedly advanced to a four-month high in January. The FTSE 100 index declined 0.1% to settle at 7,765.2, while the FTSE techMARK 100 index lost 0.3% to end at 6,426.2. Meanwhile, the FTSE AIM 100 index rose 1.9% to close at 4,168.6.
US markets ended higher in the previous week, amid hopes that the Federal Reserve (Fed) would hike its interest rate at a slower pace. On the data front, the US annualised GDP grew at a stronger than expected pace in 4Q22, despite higher borrowing costs and rising cost of living. Moreover, both, the US manufacturing PMI and services PMIs unexpectedly advanced in January, while the nation’s durable goods orders climbed more than expected in December, amid sharp rebound in orders for transportation equipment. Additionally, the US initial jobless claims unexpectedly declined in the week ended 20 January 2022. Furthermore, the US new home sales rose for a third consecutive month in December, while the nation’s pending home sales climbed for the first time in seven months in December, amid decline in mortgage rates. Also, the US Michigan consumer sentiment index advanced more than expected in January. Meanwhile, the US goods trade deficit widened in December, amid rise in imports, while the nation’s personal spending fell more than anticipated in December. The DJIA index rose 1.8% to end at 33,978.1, while the NASDAQ index gained 4.3% to close at 11,621.7.
