FTSE 100 made a decent start with airlines and travel groups leading the index higher on reports that the UK’s coronavirus travel arrangements will change today. London’s blue-chip index was up 18 at 7,045 in early trades.
UK retail sales recovered from a heavy fall in July but were still down 0.9% in August as people went to bars and restaurants again rather than shops. "Sales fell again in August, though not nearly as much as in July and, overall, remained above their pre-pandemic level, said the ONS. Sales were still 4.6% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Britain’s much derided traffic light Covid travel system might finally be scrapped today, according to reports. Amber ratings are set to go alongside the requirement for PCR tests for those who have been double-jabbed while dozens of countries are to be moved off the red list.
Each bitcoin mined wastes as much material as throwing two iPhones into a bin according to a new report by the Dutch central bank and MIT. The bitcoin network is generating as much IT waste as the whole of the Netherlands said the report.
Faron Pharma said latest data from a phase I/II study of its cancer treatment strengthen its belief it can increase survival in patients with a variety of late-stage solid tumours. In the MATINS trial, a total of 83% of those who received three courses of treatment that achieved disease control rate status were still alive beyond six months.
Thor Mining shares jumped 14% as it has kicked off drilling operations at the Kapunda Copper in-situ recovery (ISR) project in South Australia. The programme will use an innovative Coiled Tube technology, a more environmentally friendly mining method.
