FTSE 100 gave back some of its recent gains as the US Fed put interest rate rises back on the agenda. While commentators said any rise might not be until 2023, it was enough for London’s blue-chip index to shed 21 at 7.164.
Whitbread was the top riser as its said people staycating on holiday in Britain was helping its Premier Inns and Beefeater chains recover. Revenues in the first quarter fell by 71% even so.
Double-jabbed tourists could be allowed to travel to amber list countries without quarantining under new government plans. According to the telegraph, holidays abroad could open up for vaccinated Britons under plans being considered by the Government.
Ryanair is also suing the government over the much-criticised travel traffic light list. Having described it as shambles yesterday, the airline’s boss Michael O’Leary is heading to court to get it changed with health secretary Matt Hancock one of those named on the writ.
Among the small caps, Kodal Minerals PLC (LON:KOD) picked up as it said it is making progress with gold exploration programmes in Côte d'Ivoire. The miner is also working on a licence application in Mali.
i3 Energy Plc (LON:i3) is to drill two new ‘high return’ wells in Wapiti, in western Canada, in the coming weeks. The oil and gas company wants to acquire more assets in the area.
Redx Pharma PLC (LON:REDX) will receive the first ‘milestone payment’ under an agreement with AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) following the pair’s licensing deal last summer. It concerns a drug candidate targeting fibrotic diseases.