Here are three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. HSBC well ahead of consensus estimates
HSBC Holdings LON:HSBA reported Q3 profits this morning, with a 75% uptick being well ahead of consensus estimates which had forecast a 23% rise. Bad debt provisions have been reduced sharply which is helping bolster performance and although there’s no dividend being declared, the company will initiate a share buyback as the company is now left sitting on surplus regulatory capital. Shares advanced modestly in Hong Kong trade as a result, although early gains proved difficult to maintain.
#2. Nightcap performance ahead of management expectations
AIM Listed bar operator Nightcap LON:NGHT has issued a trading update this morning. The company notes that its performance remains ahead of management expectations and that three new sites are on course to open before the Christmas peak trading period, taking its portfolio of bars to 21.
#3. Plus500 full year revenues will be ahead of consensus forecasts
Plus500 LON:PLUS has issued its Q3 trading statement today, showing a familiar pattern for the industry. Figures remain well ahead of 2019 numbers, but have plateaued against the 2020 comparatives. Regardless, management’s expectations are that given the stellar performance in the year to date, full year revenues will be ahead of consensus forecasts.