FTSE 100 started March in rollicking form as bond and equity markets settled after the recent sell-off. London’s leading index jumped 125 points to 6,608 in early trading.
Halfords Group PLC (LON:HFD) expects full-year profits to nearly double thanks to continued strong demand for bikes. The retailer and mechanic did not issue forecasts for this year as trading remains volatile, with Easter to be spent in lockdown.
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC (LON:MRW) and McColl’s Retail Group PLC (LON:MCLS) have extended their grocery partnership. Over the next three years, Morrisons will remain as McColl’s wholesale supplier while 300 McColl's convenience stores will be converted to the Morrisons Daily format.
BT Group PLC (LON:BT.A) chairman Jan Du Plessis will step down as soon as a replacement is found. Du Plessis joined the telecoms giant as a non-executive in 2017 and became chairman in November.
Sensyne Health’s (LON:SENS) algorithm for COVID-19 risk prediction has received regulatory approval for use in the UK. Developed in collaboration with the Chelsea & Westminster Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, it is the first algorithm developed from the SENSE clinical and operational engine to achieve sign-off.
Plant Health Care plc (LON:PHC) chief executive Chris Richards said its soybean seed treatment has the potential to be ‘truly disruptive’ following the preliminary results from trials of its technology in Brazil. The treatment was deployed on 16 fields to tackle Asian Soybean Rust, a fungus that can result in up to 90% crop loss.
CentralNic Group PLC (LON:CNIC) saw revenues and underlying profits soar in 2020 helped by organic growth and acquisitions. Revenues jumped by 121% US$241mln or more than the past five years added together, it said.