Citigroup has downgraded car catalyst provider Johnson Matthey, saying the share price, up more than 20% over the last month, has caught up with events.

The Christmas trading update from Debenhams was a pleasant surprise, but broker KBC Peel Hunt still has concerns about the department store chain's debt position.

Tuesday morning's trading update from fashion chain Next has been well received by the market but was not enough to convince broker Charles Stanley to change its neutral stance on the stock.

Strong results from high street giants Debenhams and Next have powered the retail sector higher. They both reported a fall in sales but department store Debenhams managed to lift profits and take market share from competitors, while the 7% fall in like-for-like sales at fashion chain Next was within the range of expectations.

Restaurant Group, which owns chains including Frankie & Benny's and Garfunkel's, has outperformed most of its peers in recent months. But the group's trading update issued yesterday said that while sales grew by 1.5% in the 52 weeks to 28 December, there was a drop in like-for-like trading over the seven weeks leading up to the Christmas period. Cautious hold says the Independent.

It's a busy week on the retail front with some big names issuing Christmas trading statements.

A round-up of the biggest director deals today so far.

The recent rally in the share price has prompted Goldman Sachs to cut its rating on Primark owner and sugar group Associated British Foods.

Swiss bank UBS likes the look of the dividend yield on recruitment firm Hays.

The recent rally in the share price has prompted Goldman Sachs to cut its rating on Primark owner and sugar group Associated British Foods.

The Telegraph's Questor column has picked its six share tips for 2009 with a focus on global businesses, resilient earnings and long-term contracts.

US bank Citigroup has upgraded its rating on building contractor Balfour Beatty on the expectation that the share price will play catch-up with sector peers Carillion and Interserve.

The higher crude price is lifting oil equipment services and distribution stocks. Crude oil for February deliver was as above $48 a barrel Monday morning, lifted by the prospect of Israeli troops' entrance into Gaza destabilising the Middle East.

A round-up of the biggest director deals today so far.

The Times has published its top ten tips for 2009 with a focus on companies whose profits are still forecast to rise in 2009 or, at worst, keep level with 2008.

A round-up of the biggest director deals today so far.

A round-up of the biggest director deals today so far.