FTSE 100 opened 12 points higher to 7,550 in spite of encircling gloom surrounding Ukraine. Asian markets were mixed on talk of even harsher sanctions on Russia touted.
EasyJet cancelled hundreds of flights over the weekend with more cuts scheduled today on renewed Covid disruption. Over 220 trips were axed as rising staff shortages hit the flight operator.
The UK government is set to nationalise Gazprom’s British arm amid a standoff between the gas giant and an American bank. The move is expected to cost the taxpayer billions.
Ryanair narrowed its full-year loss forecast and hiked its fuel hedging to over 80%. It now expects to make a loss of €350-400mln.
Caledonia Mining increased its quarterly dividend payment by 17% as it outlined plans to increase production alongside its footprint in Zimbabwe. The company is making a pay-out of 14 US cents a share for the first three months of the year, up from 12 cents.
Among the small caps, Induction Healthcare said it has won contracts totalling £3.6mln for its Zesty digital platform. The group will support the transformation of outpatient care delivered by the South-West London Integrated Care System, which represents four NHS trusts in the capital.
i3 Energy’s Canadian subsidiary had record reserves at the end of 2021, while the quarter just ended saw its highest production ever. Current output is also ahead of expectations, with the company upping its forecast for net income in 2022 to US$192mln.