1. King Charles to give wind farm profits to the public purse
Millions could be diverted from the Royal Family and given to the Treasury as a result, with Charles suggesting it would be better used for the “wider public good”.
2. James Dyson accuses the government of short-sightedness
In the November autumn statement, Jeremey Hunt outlined corporation tax would rise from 19% to 25% in April, as part of public efforts to plug the UK’s “fiscal black hole” left over from a period of intense spending during the coronavirus pandemic.
3. BT’s price hikes may be factored into price already, say UBS
The Swiss bank's analysts pointed out that while the 14.4% (CPI plus 3.9%) price hikes in April “suggests upside risk to BT Consumer estimates” BT shares have already rallied by 15% in the year to date ahead of the event.
4. FTSE 100 closes firmly lower
Britain's premier share index closed down around 83 points, or 1.07%, at 7,747.
5. Lloyds planning ‘materially higher’ buybacks for the next two years
For 2022, Lloyds is predicted to announce another £2.0bn share buyback when it reports results on 22 February, the same as announced a year ago, as well as hiking its total dividend 20% to 2.4p per share.