FTSE 100 added 7 points to 8,309 as housing took centre stage with the government announcing its plans to shake up planning across the country.
Housebuilder shares showed little reaction as, more immediately, surveyors said Britain’s housing market risks being hampered by recent mortgage rate increases.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey showed house prices grew for a fourth consecutive month in November.
Lloyds is still going well on the decision yesterday to refer the motor finance issue to the Supreme Court, raising hopes the bank’s financial hit might be alleviated a little. The bank was one of the top risers this morning.
Currys warned prices will rise next year as the hike in employer national insurance and higher minimum wages fuel costs ahead. Costs are set to increase by £32 million annually on the back of October’s Budget, the electricals retailer said as it reported revenues up 1% and a swing back into profit.
Finally, Elon Musk has cemented his place in history as the first individual to surpass a net worth of US$400 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
