Good morning from London where the FTSE 100 opened higher on Monday despite the threat of shocks from this weekend's escalations in the Middle East. Brent crude is up around $3bl on fears of more instability to come in the region.
Back here in the UK, Metro Bank Holdings PLC (LSE:MTRO) announced it had raised a much-needed £325 million through a mixture of new equity and debt, after concerns came to a head last week over the future of the challenger bank.
GSK PLC (LSE:GSK, NYSE:GSK) also had a positive start to the day, its stock climbed on news of a new deal to supply Chinese firm Zhifei with its shingles vaccine.
Chemical specialist Croda International PLC (LSE:CRDA) with a more difficult start to the morning after slashing profit guidance for the full year following depressed sales.
Manufacturer Volex PLC (AIM:VLX) also started lower as it announced it had become the latest to be hit by a cyber attack.
Elsewhere, HSBC Holdings PLC (LSE:HSBA) inked a US$3.6 billion deal to purchase Citigroup’s retail wealth management portfolio in mainland China.
And finally with the small caps, Chill Brands Group PLC (LSE:CHLL, OTCQB:CHBRF) soared after announcing a deal to supply nicotine-free vape products to WH Smith in the UK