1. FTSE 100: Stocks rocket to six-month high
London's blue-chip index closed 145 points higher at a six-month high of 7,882.
2. Next surges to all-time high after 'very good year'
Profit before tax came in at £918 million in 2023, up 5% from the previous year and above its previous guidance, as total sales for the clothing retailer increased 5.9% to £5.8 billion.
3. Bank of England keeps interest rates at 5.25%
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted eight to one in favour of maintaining rates, with one member preferring to reduce rates to 5%. This compared to a six-three split last month, when three members voted to hike.
4. Rolls-Royce up 2.7% after upgrade; turnaround potential underestimated, says bank
The new valuation, predicated on the aero-engine maker's turnaround, stands at a 32% premium to the current price of 417.69, up 10.99p on the day.
5. Direct Line unveils £100m of cost cuts as looks to see off Belgian bidder
The UK motor insurer revealed on Thursday it recovered to a pre-tax profit of £277 million last year, from a loss of £302 million in 2022. That said, it still managed to undershoot consensus forecasts marginally.