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.H&T profits down more than a third
H&T, the pawnbroking group, has blamed stagnant gold prices, tough trading conditions on the high street and the costs associated with a rapid store opening programme for its half-year profits tumbling by more than a third. Profits slumped 37 per cent to £7.5m over the half year, dragged down by it opening 13 new shops.
Lonmin likely to tap up investors
The prospect of an emergency, $1bn (£633m) rights issue by Lonmin loomed large last night after the platinum producer said that the closure of its Marikana mine in South Africa left it likely to breach its banking covenants at the end of next month. The company said it was considering options to strengthen its financial position.
NewBuy scheme boosts Persimmon
Persimmon said it sold 220 new homes under NewBuy scheme to encourage first-time buyers in its first half, representing around 5 per cent of its 4712 total homes sales. The house builder said that despite the summer slowdown, forward sales are 4 per cent up on last year at £1.04bn. Pre-tax profits jumped 65 per cent to £98.7m.
Barclays starts on Absa plan
Barclays has started talks to combine all its operations in Africa into Absa, the South African bank in which it holds a 55.5 per cent stake. The move is a legacy of former chief executive Bob Diamond, who had always intended to create what he called "One Bank in Africa". The bank will serve 2.2 million customers with assets of about £6bn.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments