InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Buys Back Own Stock
August 5, 2026, 5:27 AM EDT. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC said on August 4, 2026, it bought ordinary shares at 20340/399 pence each the previous day. The company reported this share buyback as part of its repurchase plans. It did not disclose how many shares were purchased in the statement.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Announce…
Bank of Queensland (BOQ): How It Measures Up on Key Metrics
August 5, 2026, 5:15 AM EDT. Bank of Queensland (BOQ) last changed hands at about $6.66. Net interest margin is 1.56%, below the 1.78% average for major banks on the ASX, pointing to slimmer lending returns. Return on equity is 4.7%, weaker than the sector’s 9.35% average. BOQ runs a branch setup with owner-managers, setting it apart, but its Seek workplace rating is just 2.6 out of 5, while peers average 3.1. Lending makes up 93% of the bank’s income, so NIM is a make-or-break profitability number here. Investors eyeing BOQ as a buy or hold need to watch these benchmarks in the regional bank space.
4 best numbers to value BOQ shares
SpaceX falls 7.5% after earnings beat, big costs worry investors
August 5, 2026, 5:14 AM EDT. SpaceX stock slipped 7.5% in after-hours trade even as the company topped revenue forecasts, reporting $7.8 billion-up 13% from consensus-and cutting losses to $0.09 per share. Revenue nearly doubled from a year ago, helped by growth in Starlink and AI. The company lifted its full-year outlook. But Q2 capital spending hit $18.4 billion, almost twice last quarter and higher than expected, putting pressure on the stock. Phillip Capital kept a Sell on the stock and set a $75 target, warning about high cash burn versus strong EBITDA and sales. Elon Musk said SpaceX could have nearly 10 gigawatts of compute capacity next year and pushed the potential for AI, but investors still see risk and are wary.
SpaceX stock falls after earnings beat. Wh…
FTSE 250 Tops 24,000 as CMC Markets, Raspberry Pi, Keller Group Drive Gains
August 5, 2026, 5:13 AM EDT. The FTSE 250 broke above 24,000 for the first time, up nearly 9% since January. CMC Markets, Raspberry Pi, and Keller Group led the charge, jumping 128%, 127%, and 90% each by August 5. CMC Markets posted a 15% climb in net operating income and pre-tax profit up 20%, as the firm moves away from relying on trading platform volatility. Raspberry Pi gained on strong demand and profit outlook, helped by industrial and AI demand. Keller Group also pushed the index higher. Analysts point to upgraded earnings and trading strength as drivers, but warn of risks from high valuations and fast-moving expectations.
The FTSE 250 just hit record highs! These …
UK New Car Sales Rise Eighth Straight Month as EV Demand Surges
August 5, 2026, 5:12 AM EDT. UK new car registrations jumped 44.5% for electric vehicles in July, with total registrations hitting 156,571, the best July count since 2019. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said this is the eighth straight month of year-on-year growth, helped by more models, government incentives, and manufacturer deals. SMMT’s Mike Hawes warned steep EV discounts could threaten the sector, calling for rule changes. Autotrader said plug-in cars now make up half of new car inquiries as higher fuel prices related to the Gulf conflict drive demand for electrified options.
Demand for EVs drives new car market to ei…
Stock Market Today: Live Updates August 5, 2026
August 5, 2026, 4:26 AM EDT.Stock market updates for August 5, 2026, started at 4:00 AM EDT. Markets are tracked in real time, with moves reported live as of 4:23 AM EDT. Coverage follows price shifts and trading action as they happen.
Stock Market Today: Live Updates 05.08.202…
ASX 200 Hits Record as AI Sell-Off Misses Australian Stocks
August 5, 2026, 4:25 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index set a fresh record high after trailing major markets for most of the year, with its lack of AI sector exposure now turning into an advantage. Unlike Wall Street and Asian markets with big bets in AI chip stocks, the Australian market sidestepped the latest sell-off in that corner. A drop in interest rate bets and stronger US trading-lifted by hopes around the US-Iran standoff-also fed gains. The market’s turned around its underperformance this week and is now outpacing global peers.
ASX 200 rally: Why Australia’s lack of exp…
Legal & General edges higher after mixed H1 earnings
August 5, 2026, 4:24 AM EDT. Shares in Legal & General moved up 0.5% after its H1 results to June 30. Core operating profit rose 7%, and EPS climbed 11%, helped by the share buyback. The Asset Management arm posted a 73% jump in fee-related earnings and hit record new business. L&G now looks after £236bn in UK defined contributions and £128bn in workplace pensions. But the Solvency II ratio slipped to 201% from 217%, though it stayed well above required levels. Pensions operating profit dipped a little under market pressure. The company is guiding for 2026 EPS growth at the top end of its 6-9% range.
