1. FTSE 100 closes higher as investors await Thursday's US inflation figures
At the close, the FTSE 100 came off its highs but still saw a 0.4% gain to close at 7,725 points.
2. Does Sainsbury's raised guidance suggest downturn fears are being overdone?
Despite warnings that wallets are being stretched by soaring inflation, the food retailer J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) has reported strong Christmas sales and guided City scribes to adjust their profit forecasts to the top end of expectations.
3. BT Group is beating Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) already bullish expectations
The analyst pointed to ‘Equinox 2’ (BT’s wholesale fibre offer design to expediate the transfer of ISPs to fibre) and greater-than-expected inflation-linked wholesale pricing boosts as catalysts.
4. Aviva and Admiral slip as Direct Line warning rattles insurers
The FTSE 250-listed insurer earlier announced it was axing its dividend in response to increased claims following a spell of cold weather in December and continued inflation in its motor division.
5. Oxbotica successfully raises £115mln in a boost to Britain’s self-driving sector
Funding will be used to speed up the deployment of Oxbotica's Universal Autonomy AI-based operating system, which is targeting goods delivery, urban passenger transportation and heavy industries.