London's FTSE 100 is ending a mixed week on the front foot after another night of new records on Wall Street.
Reflecting that London’s blue-chip index was up 48 at 7,678 shortly after the opening bell. ITV jumped 12% on news it had sold its half stake in the BritBox streaming service to BBC Studios for £255 million with the proceeds used to fund a share buyback programme.
Announcing the disposal, the broadcaster said the move would allow it to focus on enhancing its domestic streaming platform, ITVX, and expand its global Studios division.
Nationwide’s House Price Index rose by 1.2% year-on-year in February, breaking a 12-month streak of declines while smashing market expectations of a 0.7% increase.
Online estate agent Rightmove meanwhile increased underlying profits by 8% to £258 million, ever with the housing market volatility of the past twelve months.
Pearson also increased its underlying profits and reiterated guidance for this year, with the education group commenting AI will be a boost to its business rather than a threat.