FTSE 100 rose sharply in early trading as investors looked forward to ‘freedom day’ in the UK and shrugged off the ongoing threat of war in Ukraine. The blue-chip index was up 47 at 7,561.
Boris Johnson is expected to scrap all remaining Covid legal restrictions in England, including the requirement to isolate if you test positive, despite reservations from scientists. The PM said the end to restrictions will return people's freedom.
Billionaire investor Carl Icahn has stepped upped his campaign against McDonald’s over its treatment of pigs. Describing the way the animals are reared as obscene, Icahn has nominated two representatives for election to the fast food giant’s board.
Clipper Logistics has agreed to the key terms of a 920p per share offer from US-owned rival GXO Logistics. The offer values the UK group at around £940mln.
Among the small caps, Pantheon Resources reported what it said was another excellent result from the Talitha A well in Alaska. “We exceeded original expectations with the flow rates achieved from these two sand bodies [at Talitha],” said the explorer, though the keenly anticipated flow test of the Theta West well has been delayed.
Cellular Goods said its skincare products are going on sale on Amazon Marketplace today. The launch on Amazon is part of a pilot programme that enables selected cannabinoid products to be purchased through the platform in the UK.
Oriole Resources has received notice from its partner IAMGOLD that it has exercised the first of the options it holds on the Senala gold project in Senegal. IAMGOLD has the option to spend up to US$8mln on Senala to earn a 70% interest.