UK flat-fee online investment platform, owned by Aberdeen since 2022
Shein is set to debut in Hong Kong with an expected price range of HK$47.60–HK$49.50 per share, valuing the company at about $27bn. The IPO follows years of regulatory scrutiny and previous failed listings in New York and London. Cornerstone investors and major firms are backing the float, while the company aims to fund technology and global expansion.
WH Smith has warned of lower full-year profits and plans to raise up to 100 million through new shares as passenger numbers through travel hubs fall amid the Middle East conflict. UK airport revenues are down, hospital and rail shops help offset declines, and a capital raise aims to strengthen the balance sheet. Regulators are examining PwC’s audits in the US division.
Jetex founder says private aviation has grown post‑COVID, with Middle East leading expansion; company plans to expand in Saudi Arabia as eVTOL and urban mobility gain traction. Market worth ~$50.6B with 24k–25k jets active; high-end travel driving demand amid regional tensions.
Savers have boosted cash ISA deposits ahead of planned reforms that would cut the quarterly cash ISA allowance and tax cash within Stocks and Shares ISAs. Independent and Guardian coverage shows a mixed reception: ministers say changes aim to boost investing, while critics warn of added complexity and a stealth tax on cautious savers.
Reuters and independent sources report JD Wetherspoon’s profit outlook has worsened amid higher food, labour and energy costs, as like-for-like sales rise modestly but profit guidance remains cautious. The update follows World Cup-driven sales boosts and a challenging cost environment.
Banks have reported stronger half-year profits amid sustained higher interest rates, with Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest expected to post gains. Analysts foresee continued earnings growth as the sector navigates mortgage stress and potential increases in bad debt provisions. The sector remains buoyant but faces scrutiny over tax policy and regulatory expectations.
NatWest and Lloyds report higher half-year profits, with NatWest posting 4.3bn pre-tax profit and Lloyds following with 4.3bn, as AI and cost-cutting drive efficiency and expansion in wealth management and digital services.
JD Sports has downgraded its full-year pre-tax profit guidance to 700-800 million pounds as consumer budgets tighten. On the US and UK fronts, sales are under pressure from inflation and discounting, while UK outdoor and football kit sales provide some offset.