1. FTSE 100 sets new record as investors eye the 8,000 mark
At the close, the UK's blue-chip index had finished 0.3% higher at 7,911 points after hitting a new intra-day peak of nearly 7,950.
2. Unilever sees strong sales growth but fall in margins holds profits back
Underlying sales growth accelerated to 9.0% in 2022, driven by all business groups, with price growth of 11.3% and volumes declining 2.1%, the owner of Marmite and Persil said.
3. Lloyds shares head for three-year high
Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY) (Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY)) shares, adding another 1% today, are approaching a three-year high in sync with the FTSE 100 hitting its own all-time high on Thursday. Investors evidently feel chipper ahead of the upcoming round of UK banking sector trading updates.
4. Entain shares tumble after MGM rules out takeover
On a call following the release of fourth-quarter earnings MGM Resorts chief and president Bill Hornbuckle ruled out a move for Entain.
5. Disney boss shuts down ESPN sale rumours
“ESPN is a differentiator for this company. It is the best brands in television and it is one of the brands in sports. It continues to create real value for us,” Iger said.