1. Sainsbury’s profits lower after bid to tempt shoppers
J Sainsbury PLC’s 5% fall in annual profits is merely the result of its bid to lower prices and tempt shoppers, according to analysts.
2. Microsoft launches stunning rebuke of CMA following Activision Blizzard takeover block
"People are shocked, people are disappointed and people’s confidence in technology in the United Kingdom has been severely shaken,” Microsoft Corporation president Brad Smith said.
3. Barclays profit tops forecast driven by UK arm and credit card growth
Barclays PLC reported better-than-expected first-quarter profit supported by strong growth in its UK and credit card businesses
4. Gambling white paper lifts Entain, but less for Flutter and 888 Holdings
Shares in bookmakers Entain PLC, Flutter Entertainment PLC and 888 Holdings PLC all rose Thursday as investors reckoned the sector had got off lightly in the long-awaited white paper.
5. FTSE 100 ends lower as US stocks race ahead
London's blue-chip index closed 0.3% down at 7,831 as European stocks were unable to match gains seen in the US.