Headlines from the Proactive UK newsroom.
The FTSE 100 was in better heart as yesterday’s vaccine news and €750bn EU bail-out package helped sentiment. The blue-chip index rose 43 points to 6,305.
Grocery tills were their busiest ever over the past 12 weeks according to market research group Kantar. Takings were up by 16.9% to £31.6bn, which was the fastest rise since records began back in 1994 though growth slowed in the past four weeks.
Gold has climbed to US$1,822 an ounce and is set to hit US$2,000 by the year-end according to US investment bank Citi. Gold stocks were strong today with silver specialists also on the rise.
Ladbrokes owner GVC (LON:GVC) said it is surprised by a decision by the UK tax office to widen an investigation into its former online gaming operation in Turkey. HMRC is examining "potential corporate offending" by an entity (or entities) within the GVC group.
Pharma services group Ergomed (LON:ERGO) said full-year earnings would be materially ahead of forecast. First half revenues grew by 14.8% to £40.4mln.
Anglo Asian Mining (LON:AAZ) and Conroy Gold and Natural Resources (LON:CGNR) have formed a joint venture to develop the Longford Down Massif gold project in Ireland. Anglo Asian is to acquire up to a 55% interest in the project by investing in stages.
Collagen Solutions (LON:COS) said it is on course for a successful year after landing new contracts. The regenerative medicines specialist now has orders or contracted development milestones worth £4.3mln or more than last year’s sales.
