1. Lloyds hikes dividend 15% as first half profits just beat forecasts
Statutory profit before tax for the UK's largest lender came to £3.32 billion for the first six months of 2024, slightly ahead of the £3.21 billion average analyst forecast.
2. Centrica profits tumble but dividend up and buyback extended
Chris O’Shea, chief executive, said the results reflected the more normalised conditions in the energy market.
3. FTSE 100 live
Stocks rebound after hitting three-month low.
4. Revolut wins UK banking licence, ending nine-year wait
The London-headquartered group said it will now enter a 'mobilisation' stage, having been given what the Bank of England's PRA arm calls "authorisation with restrictions", designed for new banks to fully build out their banking operations.
5. Unilever rallies as margin expansion offsets weak sales
Soaring to record highs at the open, the consumer goods giant said its underlying operating margin had increased by 250 bps to 19.6%.