Next Friday (20 May) sees the much-anticipated release of second quarter earnings from iconic US tractor maker Deere & Co (DE:NYSE).After a strong first quarter to the end of January, when the firm beat estimates for both revenue and earnings by some margin and chief executive John C. May raised full year profit guidance, it's fair to say expectations are high.In its latest quarterly report, rival

The FTSE 100 opens up flat on Monday morning despite robust gains in Asia overnight. At 7,718.46 the index is less than 1% away from the record close posted in January 2018.British Gas owner Centrica (CNA) reports a boost to energy demand from colder than normal weather but also increased call-out costs. This adds up to lower first half adjusted operating profit compared to the same period a year

Brazil-based Jangada Mines (JAN:AIM) believes it can have a platinum group metals (PGMs) mine in production within the next 12 to 18 months.It says a trial mining set-up may only cost up to $1.5m to build. A full 30,000 ounce operation will cost between $20m and $30m.The ultimate plan is to produce 100,000 ounces annually of PGMs. Jangada floated on AIM on 29 June.

Harvest Minerals (HMI:AIM) has blamed a recent 50% share price decline on people spreading malicious comments online. Chairman Brian McMaster insists the aspiring fertiliser business has done everything according to plan and news will be forthcoming on when it might be able to start commercial production.The £16m business has a mining project in Brazil called Arapua which it hopes can provide far

The FTSE 100 enjoys a good start to the week, jumping 1.5% at the market open to 6,797 as Hillary Clinton makes a last-minute comeback in the race to become US President. HSBC (HSBA) also reports a strong set of financial results which gives support to the blue chip index.The market had been weak in recent sessions as it looked like Trump had a chance of winning the election amid negative news sur

Aspiring fertiliser producer Harvest Minerals (HMI:AIM) has the potential to generate a material amount of cash from its operations in the medium term.There is also a blue-sky element to story as it owns an exploration project that could potentially allow Vale (VALE:NYSE), one of the world's biggest miners, to extend the life of its Taquari-Vassouras potash mine in Brazil. Harvest is keeping that

No slowdown for PersimmonHousebuilder Persimmon (PSN) defies expectations of a slowdown in the property market with a 17% increase in private sale reservations since 1 July versus the same period a year ago. Chief executive Jeff Fairburn says he expects a 'good autumn sales season'. (DC)Bid chatter lifts EasyJetTakeover rumours have helped to drive up shares in EasyJet (EZJ) to £10.99 following a

The FTSE 100 is back into positive territory after a poor start to the week. Yesterday's declines caused by commodities weakness are clawed back with the blue chip index rising 34 points to 6,863 in early trading on Tuesday.Housebuilder Persimmon (PSN) has defied expectations of a slowdown in the property market with a 17% increase in private sale reservations since 1 July versus the same period a

South African platinum and chrome miner Tharisa (THS) has is going against the grain by listing on the London Stock Exchange (8 June). The firm's decision to admit its shares for trading on a secondary exchange, having already got a listing in Johannesburg, is the exact opposite move to its peer group.Many dual-listed miners are scrapping their secondary listings as a cost saving exercise and/or r

UK shares make a modest attempt at a rally following a massive China-driven sell-off on Monday, with investors on the hunt for value-buying opportunities. The benchmark FTSE 100 index rises 25 points, or about 0.35%, to 6,114. This after a poor overnight turn on Wall Street, with Asian markets also lower.In corporate news, high street clothing colossus Next (NXT) is marked down 3.2% to £69.60 as

The potential for near-term revenue generation from a potassium project and longer-term value uplift through a unique position in the Brazilian potash industry makes Harvest Minerals (HMI:AIM) very interesting at 0.95p. A major fundraise to secure $15 million over the coming weeks may cause short-term volatility in the share price, given this figure is greater than its current £4.2 million ($6.5

Initial public offerings (IPOs) are one of the biggest draws for people wanting to invest, yet volatility in global stock markets since August stands to threaten the next wave of stock market flotations. Financial institutions are nervous in the current climate, so companies seeking to list on the market may find it hard to raise the necessary money to float at the moment.This situation is negativ

Elevated risks at WhitbreadPremier Inn and Costa owner Whitbread (WTB) needs a strong second half to achieve 2016 earnings forecasts. Like-for-like sales grew by 3.3% in the second quarter, 1% below expectations, due to tough comparatives from last year. The shares are down 14% over the past six months to £45.40. (EP)BP upgrade, oil price downgradeUBS has slashed its 2015-2019 oil price forecast