The Market Report with Katie Pilbeam. FTSE 100 continues its rise but is being overshadowed by the its smaller cap sibling the UK-focused 250, which hit another record this morning on vaccination and reopening hopes. The blue-chip 100 index rose 24 to 6,909.
ASOS saw record sales in its latest six months as customer numbers jumped by 24% to nearly 25mln. The ‘lockdown’ category outperformed again, with face and body products zooming up 114%, activewear jumping 95% and casualwear up 69%.
Britain has more than enough supplies of Pfizer and Moderna jabs to vaccinate the under-30s, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told reporters today. MHRA, the UK’s health regulator said yesterday that Britons aged 18-29 would be given an alternative to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine where possible, due blood clot concerns.
Anglo American (LON:AAL) said it will spin off its thermal coal operations in South Africa, helping the group move closer towards its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2040. Subject to the approval of Anglo American's shareholders on May 5, the thermal coal operations in South Africa will be transferred to a new holding company.
Among the small caps, Minds + Machines Group Limited (LON:MMX) is to sell most of its assets to US web domain group GoDaddy for US$120mln. The deal is a 91% premium to the internet registry firm’s closing price on Wednesday.
Remote Monitored Systems PLC (LON:RMS) announced that the face mask developed by its subsidiary has been approved by the UK authorities. The model is made with antiviral material.
Spectra Systems Corp (LON:SPSY) has received a US patent for its technology for disinfecting banknotes from viruses. The plan is to sell it to companies dealing with cash such as banks and casinos.
