FTSE 100 rallied after a weak start sparked by worries a hike to US interest rates may be more imminent than first thought. London’s leading index was up 3 to 7,021 in second hour trading having been down 40 at the start.
There’s concern over jobs if Wm Morrison PLC (LON:MRW) were to accept a higher bid from US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Under private equity ownership the supermarket may let go staff as it happened with Debenhams, Labour said.
Westminster is under pressure to put more destinations on the green list on the review due next week. A new study showed that only one in 200 travellers from amber list countries had COVID-19, with no variants of concern.
McDonald’s Inc (NYSE:MCD) is to hire 20,000 new staff in the UK and Ireland as it plans to open 50 sites this year and another 100 by 2023. The fast-food chain said first-quarter sales have topped 2019 levels.
88 Energy Ltd (LON:88E) has struck a deal to sell its accumulated tax credits for US$18.7mln and it will use the proceeds to clear debt. The Alaska-focussed explorer said it will pay off its outstanding debt off US$16.1mln and retain the remaining US$2.6mln.
Love Hemp Group PLC (LON:LIFE) has signed a three-year endorsement agreement with the boxer, Anthony Joshua. The agreement starts at the beginning of next month and lasts for three years.
The High Court in New Zealand has found in favour of the plaintiff in a case backed by Litigation Capital Management (LON:LIT), “crystalising” a pay-out of NZD$26.8mln to the company, including the NZD$6.7mln it invested in the action.