From pharma giants to sausage rolls, it was a day of upbeat numbers and market milestones. AstraZeneca soared, Barclays delivered a banking boost, Games Workshop rolled out record profits, and the FTSE 100 flirted with fresh highs. Greggs, meanwhile, is baking up plans for more growth. Here is your Five at Five:
1. AstraZeneca: Shares leapt as £3.3bn was added to the company’s value on robust results, strong drug sales, and an optimistic outlook...a prescription for a very happy market.
2. Barclays: Investment banking put a spring in Barclays’ step, lifting shares 2.5% after results easily beat forecasts. UBS remains bullish, eyeing more to come from the blue eagle.
3. FTSE 100: The index flirted with record territory, finishing just shy of its all-time high. Investors are in buoyant mood, with big names leading the charge.
4. Games Workshop: Profits surged, dividends soared, and Warhammer fans rejoiced as Games Workshop rolled out bumper results. “Exciting times” indeed... and the market agreed.
5. Greggs: Greggs kept it steady, with the boss eyeing growth opportunities. Interim results may have been no surprise, but investors are hungry for the bakery’s next move.
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