FTSE 100 was becalmed ahead of today’s Bank of England interest rates announcement, with some expecting a hint that the date they start to go up might be brought forward to next year. London’s blue chip index dipped 3 to 7,120 in early trades.
France‘s removal from the amber plus list has been confirmed meaning that after Sunday fully-vaccinated travellers returning to the UK won’t have to quarantine. Seven countries were also added to the green list including Germany, Austria and Norway.
Mining titan Glencore PLC (LSE:GLEN) reported a 79% jump in interim profits on higher commodity prices and announced a special dividend and a US$650mln share buyback. Underlying interim profits were a record at US$8.7bn.
Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) (LSE:RR.) returned to profit at the half-year and confirmed it is near to a sale of its ITP Aero division. Engine flying hours improved on average to around 43% of 2019 levels against 39% six months ago.
Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE:UBER) (NYSE:UBER) shares traded lower in aftermarket trading after the taxi and food delivery platform reported an increased loss in the past quarter, even though the top line beat forecasts. Underlying losses were US$509mln for the second quarter.
Among the small caps, Mkango Resources Ltd (AIM:MKA, TSX-V:MKA, FRA:ZMK, OTC:MKNGF) is raising £5.2mln and will acquire the remainder of the Songwe Hill rare earths project that it doesn’t already own. This transaction brings material benefits to both Mkango and Talaxis, the partner selling the stake, said the junior.
Naked Wines PLC (AIM:WINE, OTCQX:NWINF, FRA:MWJ) has won a record set of accolades at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2021, the world’s largest wine competition. The retailer said its exclusive products had managed to bag two platinum, seven gold, 48 silver and 105 bronze medals.