Newbury Business Today

Share prices as at 12am on Wednesday, March 12:

Barratt Developments	412
Bayer	£36
Charles Stanley	231p
McDonalds	£27
Micro Focus	202p
M & S	390p
Newbury Racecourse	950p
Vodafone	156p

Shares provided by Charles Stanley Stockbrokers, Newbury (01635) 553700

Boost for equity markets

WITH worries about the American sub-prime problems continuing to dampen investor enthusiasm, the news that central banks around the world had joined the Federal Reserve in adding liquidity to the banking system saw the Dow Jones Industrials Average jump by over 416 points on Tuesday. This added a much-needed boost to equity markets everywhere, with banking stocks being the main beneficiaries. The question now is, is it enough? Closer to home, Wednesday’s Budget was not expected to contain any surprises.  At least there will be some respite for drivers if the rise in the fuel duty is delayed. Of our featured companies, the announcement from M&S that Sir Stuart Rose is to be promoted to executive chairman has been met with a mixed response; it will keep him with the company until 2011.  Following recent share price weakness, Vodafone has received a buy recommendation.  Final results from Racecourse were released on March 7. 

Share prices as at 11.30am on Wednesday, March 12: