Market Report2 Nov 2019 08:07
MARKET REPORT: Metro Bank ends week on a high with sharp rise in shares seemingly triggered by report in the Evening Standard that Lloyds Bank is mulling a takeover
These days Metro Bank's shares seem to be as easily moved by rumours and reports as they are by actual company news.
The embattled challenger lender ended the week on a high, with a sharp rise in shares seemingly triggered by a report in the Evening Standard that Lloyds Bank is mulling a takeover.
Lloyds (up 0.9 per cent, or 0.51p, to 57.31p) is the latest potential buyer suggested by the City rumour mill, joining the ranks of Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC, which the City grapevine says is also keen.
It comes after founder and chairman Vernon Hill moved from an executive role into an 'emeritus chairman' position, in the fallout of a major accounting error that left a black hole in its books.
Metro shares are certainly at a bargain basement price. Despite rising 14.4 per cent, or 29.2p, to close at 232p last night, they have still shed 86 per cent in value so far this year.