FTSE 100 open slightly higher even with another disappointing set of retail sales numbers and more concerns about coronavirus. Technical issues mean the LSE also has no information displayed currently, but Reuters had the index up 0.4% at 7,218.
No such technical issues the LSE‘s own numbers with a strong performance across all divisions in the third quarter. Total income was up 7.6% year-on-year on a proforma basis and gross profit was 7.3% higher.
UK retail sales fell for the fifth consecutive month in September, the worst run for more than 30 years. October is expected to be better and a good Christmas is now looking essential for the sector’s health.
More than 1 million investors are on a waiting list for a Robinhood Markets Inc (NASDAQ:HOOD) cryptocurrency wallet, the trading app’s chief executive Vlad Tenev has revealed. Tenev, highlighted the high demand for crypto services at and event run by CNBC.
Sainsbury’s has ended discussions over the sale of its bank business, saying the sums discussed weren't sufficient to warrant its disposal. The supermarket revealed last November it had received some enquiries about buying the bank.
The PCR Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing service from SourceBio International PLC (AIM:SBI) (AIM:SBI) was top of a short-list of four of “the best cheap day two Covid tests for travel” by the Which? consumer organisation. Which?, the UK’s 'consumer champion', looked at the 50 companies suggested on the gov.uk website as providers of day-two PCR tests
Mosman Oil and Gas Ltd (AIM:MSMN) said the Winters-2 well in Polk County Texas encountered potential pay in the Yegua and Wilcox sands. Winters-2 was drilled to the target depth of 7,011 feet.