The Market Report with Katie Pilbeam. FTSE 100 started on the front foot as markets expect the future Biden administration to use stimulus packages to support the economy. London’s leading index gained 16 points to 6,873 in early trading.
All international travellers will have to provide negative COVID-19 tests when arriving into England and Scotland. Regardless of their test result, all passengers arriving from countries not on the government's travel corridor list will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days.
Marks and Spencer Group PLC (LON:MKS) posted an 8% fall in sales in both food and general merchandise over the pre-Christmas quarter, which was better than expected. The Ocado joint venture helped boosting performance.
Boeing has agreed to pay a £1.8bn fine in the US to settle criminal charges. The airplane manufacturer was accused of hiding information about the design of its 737 Max model. Among the small caps, Zoetic International PLC (LON:ZOE) has begun trading on the OTCQX Best Market, one of the highest level OTC markets in the US.
EQTEC PLC (LON:EQT) has signed a preliminary agreement with construction group Nobilis Pro Energy. Together with German engineering partner ewerGy, the trio will work together to deliver advanced gasification projects in Greece.
Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (LON:COPL) has achieved two important milestones for its deal to acquire Atomic Oil & Gas. The oiler paid an instalment of US$8mln and closed an equity issue to raise £3mln.