FTSE 100 marked time as vaccine rollout and hopes of economic recovery were overshadowed by worries that Joe Biden’s US stimulus package might falter.
London’s leading index was unmoved at 6,735 in early trading. The UK is continuing its COVID-19 vaccination at full steam and said around half of the over 80s have received the jab. As of today, 5mln people who are over 70 or clinically extremely vulnerable will be invited by letter for a jab.
British Gas owner Centrica PLC’s (LON:CNA) chief financial officer Johnathan Ford has jumped ship after seven months in the role. Group financial controller Kate Ringrose has been appointed as his successor.
Virgin Orbit has put its first satellites in space. Richard Branson’s firm launched ten satellites from a rocket under the wing of a 747 plane.
Caledonia Mining’s (LON:CMCL) Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe produced a record amount of gold in 2020. Production this year is expected to rise again to between 61,000 and 67,000 ounces.
One Media IP (LON:OMIP) has acquired the producer royalties of a selection of tracks by Take That. The rights have been acquired from Ian Levine, a British songwriter, producer and DJ.
Faron Pharmaceuticals (LON:FARN) said the US Department of Defense is the surprise source of funding for a trial to find a treatment for people hospitalised with coronavirus. The DoD will contribute US$6.1mln to the HIBISCUS study that involves Faron.