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FTSE gains on optimism a Covid-19 vaccine could be approved this week

Published: 09:45 30 Nov 2020 GMT

FTSE 100 headed higher at start of the week thanks to progress on the vaccine front and reports that the November lockdown cut coronavirus infections by a third. London's leading index advanced 4 points to 6,372 in early trading.  

The UK is expected to authorise the COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and BioNTech this week. The rollout could start as early as December 7, while the country has secured 40mln doses.  

Frasers Group PLC (LON:FRAS), the sports retail group run by Mike Ashley, has offered funding of up to £50mln to struggling retailer Arcadia Group. The Topshop owner is facing administration as early as Monday, risking 13,000 jobs.  

HSBC Holdings PLC (LON:HSBA) is mulling a complete exit from its US retail banking operations. The FTSE 100 firm has been struggling to compete with much bigger players in the country.  

Symphony Environmental Technologies PLC (LON:SYM) shares shot after a highly successful coronavirus (COVID-19) test of anti-viral gloves and masks containing the company’s d2pAM antimicrobial technology. The assessment was carried out in Brazil.

CentralNic Group PLC saw revenue more than double year-on-year in the first nine months of 2020, with record organic revenue growth of 17%. The internet platform operator posted revenue up 118%.

Scotgold Resources Ltd (LON:SGZ) is on course to start Phase 1 production at the Cononish gold and silver mine in the Trossachs later today. This phase targets average annual gold equivalent production of 9,910 ounces.

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