1. FTSE 100 close to new record
European stocks also power ahead
2. Lloyds Banking Group to shut further 136 branches
The group incorporating Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland will be left with 756 sites
3. Reeves refuses to rule out higher taxes as Heathrow expansion gets nod
The Chancellor argued the airport was badly needed
4. Dowlais threatens to fuel London exodus after record year of departures
Potential takeover by American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings has left London juggling with yet another departure
5. AJ Bell net inflows grow as DIY investment wing booms
Net inflows improved from £1.3 billion to £1.4 billion
Plus in the small-cap space:
Greencoat UK Wind says speeds have dropped but cashflow will remain healthy
MP Evans shrugs off the effects of the weather to post solid performances; renews dividend pledge