The Market Report with Katie Pilbeam.
The FTSE 100 had a lukewarm start as investors await the key decisions from the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England. London’s main index dropped 10 points to 7,264 in early trading.
Next PLC (LSE:NXT) (Next PLC (LSE:NXT)) is maintaining its full-year profit forecast despite strong third-quarter performance. The retail powerhouse admitted that higher prices for essential products, such as fuel, may hit demand for clothing.
The UK government is expected to announce that London-listed companies will have to regularly publish ‘transition plans’ on how to become more environmentally friendly. Firms could risk financial penalties or even delisting otherwise.
Facebook is to drop its facial recognition software used to identify people in photos and videos. The social media app has received widespread criticism on the practice for ethical reasons.
Among the small caps, Kodal Minerals PLC (AIM:KOD) (Kodal Minerals PLC (AIM:KOD)) has acquired the minority interests in the Bougouni lithium project in southern Mali. The miner now owns 100% of the concessions at the project.
Australian peer Greatland Gold PLC (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF) (Greatland Gold PLC (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF), Greatland Gold PLC (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF)) has identified two early-stage targets that are ‘lookalikes’ for the Havieron gold-copper deposit. Geologists say the two new areas share similar characteristics.
BATM Advanced Communications Ltd (LSE:BVC, OTC:BTAVF)’s (BATM Advanced Communications Ltd (LSE:BVC, OTC:BTAVF), BATM Advanced Communications Ltd (LSE:BVC, OTC:BTAVF)) Edgility virtual networking solution was selected by a managed service provider. It will be used to manage services with its business customers across 55 countries.