The FTSE 100 is steady at five-week highs of just under 7,200 points ahead of key interest rate announcements in the US today and in the UK tomorrow.
Clothing retailer Next has announced that it expects to meet its full-year pre-tax profit forecast of £840mln, brushing off rumours of a second profit warning after a rise in sales.
Pharma giant GSK meanwhile raised its full year guidance, forecasting sales growth of between 8% to 10% against 5% to 7% previously. Revenues are benefiting from a rebound in demand for its shingles vaccine after Covid.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are set to be disrupted after Royal Mail workers announced two 48-hour strikes. Industrial action will take place on 22, 25 and 30 November, as well as 1 December.
Among the small caps, Rocky Mountain oil explorer Zephyr Energy told investors that its application for a permit to drill at Paradox Basin in Utah has now been approved.
Caledonia Mining has bought Motapa Mining, which holds a lease over an exploration property in Southern Zimbabwe. The property is adjacent to the Bilboes gold project that Caledonia is in the process of acquiring.
And Wound treatment specialist Spectral MD said it will exceed year-end expectations for revenues, gross margins, and underlying profits.