1. US non-farm payrolls better than expected
There was also good news on average earnings which although 4.6% higher in December on an annual basis were lower than the 5% forecast while there were also downward revisions to November's numbers.
2. Barclays' the top pick, according to Shore Capital
Despite rate hikes in the UK and US and the ongoing impact of the pandemic in China, the Liverpool-based investment bank believes that the strength of lenders' balance sheets and the tailwind to income from rising interest rates will help offset cost inflation and higher impairments.
3. Next downgraded on valuation grounds
"While Xmas trading was strong for most retailers, we see downside risk to demand in the spring, given tough comps, and as UK property prices and employment soften, while the outlook for opex remains challenging," they said in a note to clients.
4. FTSE 100 closes firmly up
Britain's blue chip index closed up around 66 points, or 0.87%, at 7,699. Over the first trading week of the year as a whole, FTSE added about 2.5%.
5. Week ahead
A big week ahead with updates from housebuilders, grocers and fashion retailers...