Good morning from London where the FTSE 100 is up so far, following the US and Asia higher. The S&P 500’s sluggish start to the year is already ancient history after a tech rally yesterday and there is plenty else going on besides.
British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson says the overall festive consumer spend was underwhelming, with revenue growth in clothes, jewellery and gadgets failing to even keep up with inflation. But there are points of light - B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) has promised shareholders a 20p special dividend after disclosing strong Christmas trading.
And Games Workshop Group PLC (LSE:GAW) shares are up after the fantasy miniatures retailer delivered growth in revenue and profits at the half-year stage and said sales in the key festive period were in line with hopes.
The other big story here in the UK is a profit warning from Hays, the recruiters. The warning from Hays has dragged other recruitment share prices lower and supports the idea that the UK economy is looking a bit squishy heading into the new year. Plenty of news in the small cap space as well, so make sure you check out our website and socials for all that.