1. Primark-owner AB Foods boosts dividend after revenue jumps
The dividend was hiked 37% to 60.0p from 43.7p, including a special payout of 12.7p and a final dividend of 33.1p, while a further £500 million share buyback is planned.
2. King's Speech shows commitment to tackling inflation, boosting growth
Though there were some notable omissions, King Charles III has set out the UK government’s legislative agenda, outlining a continued commitment to bring inflation down, support for homeowners and confirming plans to tackle smoking - .
3. FTSE 100 closes little changed
At the close, London's blue-chip index was down 8 points at 7,410 while the FTSE 250 rose 14.24 points, 0.1%, at 17,761.71
4. Persimmon sees pick up in sales but trading remains challenging
The housebuilder said in the past five weeks private sales rates have improved to 0.59, compared to 0.45 last year, showing a “strong pick up” since the start of October.
5. Direct Line says rising prices underpin strong growth in Motor arm
The online insurance firm said in the three months to September, Motor gross written premiums rose by 115.4% from last year to £826.8 million.