Good morning from London where FTSE 100 has started the new week by rising from Friday’s 9-month lows. The UK’s blue chip index has been under pressure lately because it contains so many stocks susceptible to general economic malaise.
One of the country’s most prominent businesses BT meanwhile is on the hunt for a new boss, after chief executive Philip Jansen confirmed he is to step down at an “appropriate moment” over the next 12 months. BT’s share price has fallen by around a third during his tenure and the company is now actively looking for a successor.
Thames Water has secured a further £750mln from shareholders as the debt-laden company works to avoid temporary public ownership. Investors had already committed to pumping in £2.5bn to the London’s water supplier between 2025 and 2030.
Britain's health regulator has approved GSK's vaccine for cold-like virus RSV, a potentially fatal condition for the elderly and young children. Its called Arexvy has been authorised in the over-60s to prevent the lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV.
Plus 500 ticked up as the online trading group reported revenues had risen 15% over the past six months.
And finally in the small caps, Ondo InsurTech has signed a five-year-deal to supply Swedish group LFTT with its water leak prevention device.