Three things you need to know in the financial markets today from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. LSE partners with Microsoft
The London Stock Exchange [LON:LSEG] has this morning announced a 10 year strategic partnership with Microsoft that includes the US tech giant taking an equity stake in the business. LSEG is committing to spend at least $2.8bn over the term of the partnership, with the deal expected to increase revenue growth meaningfully over time. Investors will however need to account for the fact that this incurs an additional £100m of Capex over the next 3 years and will have a 50-100 basis point EBITDA impact over the same period.
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#2. Bigblu Broadband trading update hints at Aussie listing
Bigblu Broadband [LON:BBB] has a trading update out today, covering the 12 months to 30th November. Revenues were 15% higher, whilst EBITDA advanced around 8.5% with the company reporting strong retention rates despite global economic headwinds. The company also floats the idea of a second listing on the ASX as it looks to maximise shareholder value.
#3. Aquis shares now available to trade on IG
The Aquis Exchange [LON:AQX] has also made a notable announcement this morning, advising the market that its constituents’ shares will now be available to trade on the IG Group platform. There’s no detail in the note as to whether this just applies to trading the physical stock, or whether it will also permit the use of leveraged CFDs.
