Good morning to you, here are today’s business headlines so far.
The FTSE 100 sank back below the 8,000 point mark this morning, with crude and gold both down on the day as well.
High-street bank HSBC says its mulling a special dividend. The bank reported a fall in annual profits, but earnings were still at the top end of City expectations.
Inflation and weak copper prices took their toll on Antofagasta’s full-year profits, which fell by nearly 40%. The Chile-based miner said it expects an improvement in the current year.
Over in Africa Vodafone completed the sale of its 70% holding in Vodafone Ghana to Telecel Group. The company noted that the transaction received regulatory approval and agreement from the Government of Ghana which will retain its 30% minority holding.
And the ONS is saying this morning that the UK public sector spent less than it received in taxes and other income, resulting in a surplus of £5.4 billion.