FTSE 250

Business

Selective Insurance Posts Strong 2025, Eyes Further Margin Gains Amid Commercial Auto Challenges

Selective Insurance Group reported robust profitability and investment returns for 2025, driven by disciplined underwriting actions. While celebrating an 18% book value growth, management detailed significant reserve strengthening in commercial auto and outlined a confident outlook for 2026, the year of its centennial.

Business

Jim Cramer Weighs In on NVIDIA's China Prospects Amid Renewed Market Speculation

CNBC's Jim Cramer offers a detailed take on NVIDIA's stock trajectory, highlighting analyst optimism around its data center partnerships while expressing skepticism over reported Chinese AI chip purchases.

Business

China Cuts Import Tariffs on UK Whisky, Offering Boost to Scotch Exports

Following the UK Prime Minister's visit to Beijing, China has agreed to slash tariffs on UK-produced whiskies from 10% to 5%, a move welcomed by the industry as a potential catalyst for growth in a key premium market.

Business

Chevron Outperforms Q4 Profit Forecasts Amid Cost-Cutting Drive, Eyes Expansion in Venezuela

Chevron Corp. reported a drop in fourth-quarter earnings that nonetheless beat analyst expectations, as the oil giant emphasized operational efficiency to navigate lower crude prices. The company, the sole U.S. producer active in Venezuela, signaled it is assessing further investment opportunities in the country following recent geopolitical shifts.

World

Winter Crisis Deepens as U.S. Energy Aid for Ukraine Remains Stalled in Bureaucratic Maze

Promised U.S. funds to repair Ukraine's war-shattered energy grid are caught in administrative limbo, leaving millions vulnerable to extreme cold amid renewed Russian strikes and internal U.S. agency disputes.

World

Newcastle's Castle Leazes Secures £274m Revamp, Doubling Student Capacity

A major redevelopment of Newcastle University's Castle Leazes student village is moving forward, with contractor Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to deliver over 2,000 new affordable rooms, replacing 1960s-era facilities.

Business

Taiwan's Economy Soars to 15-Year High, Fueled by AI Exports and U.S. Trade Pact

Taiwan's economy surged 8.6% in 2025, its fastest growth since 2010, driven by a global AI boom and a landmark trade agreement with the United States. While analysts project a moderation in 2026, the island's pivotal role in the tech supply chain has delivered record profits for its leading firms.

Business

Williams-Sonoma Stock: Fairly Valued or Riding Too High After a Stellar Run?

Williams-Sonoma's shares have delivered impressive multi-year gains, but recent valuation metrics present a mixed picture. As the stock hovers around $205, we analyze whether the home goods retailer's price truly reflects its fundamentals or if investors are paying a premium for past performance.

World

UK-China Relations Thaw as Starmer Seeks Economic Reset Amid Global Trade Shifts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?

Business

AI Infrastructure Showdown: Can IREN and APLD Sustain Their Meteoric Rise?

Once crypto miners, IREN and Applied Digital have pivoted to AI infrastructure, delivering staggering returns. But as valuations soar, investors face a critical choice between predictable cash flow and high-growth optionality.

Business

Thermo Fisher Scientific Caps 'Strong Year' with Robust Q4, Eyes Strategic Growth Amid Market Headwinds

Thermo Fisher Scientific reported a strong finish to 2025, with Q4 results exceeding expectations. While navigating currency volatility and tariffs, the life sciences giant highlighted growth in core biopharma sectors, strategic acquisitions like Clario, and a solid 2026 outlook.

Business

RBC Lifts Price Target on Ascendis Pharma, Backs Growth Trajectory Through 2026

RBC Capital has reaffirmed its confidence in Ascendis Pharma, raising its price target following the company's ambitious 2026 strategic goals, which hinge on sustained momentum for its lead therapy and significant long-term revenue targets.

Business

Parker-Hannifin Soars on Record Q2, Raises Outlook Amid Filtration Group Deal Progress

Parker-Hannifin posts record-breaking Q2 fiscal 2026 results, fueled by robust organic growth and margin expansion, particularly in aerospace. The industrial giant raises full-year guidance and details strategic progress on its planned acquisition of Filtration Group Corporation.

Business

Institutional Investors Hold Sway: British Land's 88% Stake Highlights Market Confidence and Risks

British Land Company PLC (LON:BLND) finds itself firmly in the hands of institutional investors, who control 88% of its shares. While this signals strong professional backing, it also raises questions about stock volatility and boardroom influence in the UK's property sector.

Business

Tech Jitters, Gold Retreat Rattle Asian Markets as Geopolitical Tensions Simmer

Asian equities faced broad declines Friday, pressured by renewed investor skepticism over the AI investment boom and a sharp pullback in precious metals. The sell-off unfolded against a backdrop of easing oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties.