1. Record profits but Rio needs to be stronger in ESG
Rio Tinto has brushed off scandal after scandal to deliver record profits in the year to 31 December 2021, as well as a bumper boost to dividends.
2. Barclays follows HSBC with profits and bonuses
Barclays reported record full-year profits after strong performances in all its divisions, with the investment bank posting its strongest ever result and the UK business achieving significant profits growth.
3. Ted Baker navigates tricky winter but still short of pre-pandemic levels
Ted Baker said sales accelerated over the key Christmas period despite the impact of Omicron and was confident it will reconfirm its financial targets set out in 2020.
4. FTSE 100 closes ahead - just
FTSE 100 closed a shade higher on Wednesday, up nearly four points, or 0.05%, at 7,498.
5. Supercar deliveries for debt ridden Aston Martin
The company also announced it is on course to achieve its medium terms targets, although investors have seemingly latched on to the increase in net debt to £891.6mln with £171mln financing costs stinging the car manufacturer, as shares retreated 4.92% to 1044p.
And more on tomorrow's news
Announcements from Rolls-Royce, Lloyds, BAE Systems and many more...