Why B&Q-owner Kingfisher can fix your fantasy fund

Linda J. Dodson

Thursday September 25 Smiths Group full-year results This industrial conglomerate ha cancelled its first-half dividend, withdrew earnings guidance and also put the long-awaited spin-off of its Medical division on hold earlier this year. Despite this, shares in Smiths Group have done pretty well, rallying 80pc from March lows.  July’s trading update also […]

Why splitting up the Big Four will not fix shoddy audits

Linda J. Dodson

Mid-tier firms may even be forced to endure the expense and distraction of splitting their own audit operations from their consulting divisions. BDO and Grant Thornton, the two biggest challenger firms, are already making preparations for ringfencing to ensure they can credibly compete with the Big Four on auditor independence.  […]

Philippines set to fix airstrip on South China Sea island

Linda J. Dodson

MANILA — Philippines on Tuesday said it completed the construction of a beaching ramp on Thitu Island in the South China Sea, allowing it to proceed with runway repairs. The development bolsters Manila’s maritime defense position amid ramped-up efforts by Beijing to assert its expansive territorial claims in the South […]