Market Report: Carnival glided up 120p to 2,213p as it revealed sales rose to $3.66bn
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Safer waters for cruise operator Carnival helped it sail up the Footsie yesterday after it confirmed better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits.
The P&O and Princess Cruises operator said it had spent cash on safety systems for its ships and marketing to combat the negative opinion of the group's brands after a series of issues including a fire on one of its Caribbean cruises in February and last year's fatal disaster of its Costa Concordia.
Carnival glided up 120p to 2,312p as it revealed sales rose 2.2 per cent to $3.66bn (£2.23bn) for the period – ahead of analyst forecasts.
The group's chairman, Micky Arison, stepped down as chief executive during the summer after announcing the changes to safety systems and a new marketing plan.
The wider market surged 92.62 points to 6,584.7 as a late "Santa rally" took hold. Equities recovered after stronger global growth prospects and news that the US will begin QE tapering. Outgoing Fed chairman Ben Bernanke reassured traders that interest rates will remain close to zero.
The worst performers were mining stocks on a stronger dollar, with precious metals digger Fresnillo down 29p to 698p, Randgold Resources down 105p to 3,811p and mid-tier African Barrick Gold 3.6p weaker at 157.4p.
Blue chip-listed commodities giant Glencore Xstrata upped its stake in Congolese copper and cobalt producer Mutanda Mining but added 1.1p to 307.85p.
The outsourcer Serco admitted its costs for the Government investigation into its overcharging had risen, but it advanced 27.8p to 476.6p. Rival G4S declined 4.8p to 248.9p when the Government said it planned to refer the security specialist to the Serious Fraud Office for a second time.
Defence specialist Meggitt won an $18m contract from the Australian Defence Force and travelled up 13p to 516p.
Analysts at Berenberg surveyed the luxury-goods sector and called out a handful of groups that are expected to continue to grow including British brand Burberry which strutted up 21p to 1,450p.
The Aim-listed broker WH Ireland said it is on track to beat expectations this year and advanced 7.5p to 91p.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments