FTSE 100 made a lukewarm start after a mixed performance by US stocks overnight. London’s main index shed 6 points to 7,197 in early trading.
The £6.7bn takeover of defence contractor Meggitt PLC (LSE:MGGT) by Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) will be investigated by the competition watchdog. The UK government referred it on the grounds of national security.
Bellway PLC (LSE:BWY) (LSE:BWY) profits more than doubled in the year to end July even though it had to set aside millions more to remove cladding from high rise developments. However, shortages of materials are constraining building work.
The UK government said that foreign investment in low-carbon sectors will create about 30,000 jobs. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce 18 new deals worth nearly £10bn.
Households meanwhile will be able to apply for a £5,000 grant to swap their gas boiler for a low-carbon heat pump, as part of a £3.9bn plan to reduce carbon emissions from buildings. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will cost £450mln.
United Oil & Gas PLC (AIM:UOG) (AIM:UOG) told investors that production has begun from the ASX-1X well in the Abu Sennan licence, onshore Egypt. It follows exploration success and the declaration of ASX-1X as a new discovery, with the project operator sufficiently confident to move straight to production after the initial well result.
Feedback PLC (AIM:FDBK) (AIM:FDBK) is set to participate in a pilot scheme to provide Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) services with the Sussex Integrated Care System. The CDC programme is a £10bn programme designed to help reduce the elective care backlog facing the NHS.