The Market Report with Katie Pilbeam. FTSE 100 was boosted by vaccination hopes and a deluge of company announcements with confirmation of President Trump’s second impeachment having little impact. London’s blue-chip index rose 20 to 6,766.
Donald Trump has become the first US president in history to be impeached twice, he’s being charged with incitement of insurrection” against the government of the United States a week after he encouraged a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol.
Tesco led the wave of updates as it reported grocery demand soared over Christmas. Sales jumped 8.1% in the six weeks to last Saturday though coronavirus-related costs also rose.
boohoo Group PLC (LON:BOO) raised full-year revenue forecasts after a strong performance in the past four months. The fast-fashion retailer expects revenue this year to jump by between 36-38%.
Premier Inn owner Whitbread PLC (LON:WTB) said most of its hotels have stayed open through the coronavirus lockdowns, although they are less than a third full. The chain is open for essential business and keyworker accommodation though all restaurants are closed.
Among the small caps, Sensyne Health PLC (LON:SENS) has launched a smartphone app that can accurately read and analyse a rapid COVID-19 test in under two seconds. The technology can also be repurposed for cancer, infectious disease and infertility.
Zephyr Energy PLC (LON:ZPHR) has completed a well in Utah ahead of schedule and the initial results are positive. Indications from drilling data suggest the presence of hydrocarbons at the Paradox Basin.
Similarly, Landore Resources Limited (LON:LND) has established the presence of gold at its BAM project in Ontario, Canada. The miner has been conducting soil sampling programmes at the deposit.
