The FTSE’s got that Friday feeling today - after news the UK economy grew by 6.6% in July, up for a third month in a row that the economy has expanded - although that is far below pre-pandemic levels and now that more restrictions are coming back into place, it’s not yet time celebrate.
Elsewhere there’s still plenty of caution as we head into the weekend, with Brexit tensions continuing as talks over a trade deal with the EU are looking uncertain due to fears the UK could override part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement which would then mean facing legal action from the EU. But relations are better with Japan after the UK and Japan agreed a post-Brexit trade deal.
Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) is one of the biggest movers today after the news that chief executive officer will step down after the The Anglo-Australian company has faced widespread criticism for the loss of the ancient indigenous rock shelters Western Australia.
BlueRock Diamonds PLC (LON:BRD) has announced that it has recovered a 9.7 carat diamond with an initial independent valuation estimate of $75,000.
Chaarat Gold Holdings Limited (LON:CGH) has said it is “on track” to deliver its full year production guidance for its Kapan gold mine in Armenia.
And Belvoir Group PLC (LON:BLV) has announced that its former chairman is looking to sell up to 2mln ordinary shares to institutional investors.
