1. ‘Crazy strong’ US jobs market dashes rate hopes
The US economy added a blow-out 353,000 jobs in January, smashing consensus expectations of around 180,000.
2. Zuckerberg overtakes Gates as Meta value soars by more than US$200bn
In several landmarks, Meta’s value soared comfortably past US$1trn, it surpassed Nvidia as the best-performing tech stock in 2024 and boss Mark Zuckerburg overtook Microsoft’s Bill Gates on the global rich list.
3. Superdry soars as founder Dunkerton mulls buyback
Dunkerton has requested permission from the company’s chairman to explore an offer for the company and is in talks with potential financing partners, with a cash offer for the company among the possibilities.
4. UK water utilities shares rise as bills go up more than inflation
David Henderson, Water UK chief executive, said the rises would help pay for more than £14.4 billion of investment in the next financial year, the highest annual amount on record.
5. FTSE 100: UK stocks concede gains as Nasdaq, Meta jump
Meta soared 19% after its dividend, buy back and stroing results - Bank of America was impressed and raised its price target to $510 from $425.