Three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross.
Royal Bank of Scotland
The Royal Bank of Scotland [LON:RBS] published its Q3 trading update today, covering the tail end of the PPI claims window. Higher than anticipated applications here plus a challenging period for the NatWest Markets division left the company sporting a pre-tax operating loss of £8m against profits of £961m for the same period a year earlier. Given PPI claims alone took a £900m toll on the numbers, investors may however be willing to see the upside here although increased consumer lending as the economy slows could give fresh cause for concern. The full year outlook remains unchanged.
Shoe Zone
Shoe Zone LON:SHOE has published a full year trading update, showing a performance in line with company’s revised expectations. Revenues were slightly ahead of the position a year ago despite challenging trading conditions, although the company has seen its cash balance eroded. Net store expansion continues and there’s no special dividend being declared. Investors may struggle to get excited about this.
AJ Bell
Investment platform AJ Bell LON:AJB has delivered a year end trading update today, too. Headline figures look impressive, with customer numbers up almost 20% and assets under administration having risen by 16%. The company cites consumer desires to take more control over their own financial destiny as being a driver for further growth and also notes its high level of customer retention – something that will likely be scrutinised across the investment industry in the coming years.
