The FTSE 100 roared back after a stunning trading update from Next and equally bullish sales numbers from DIY chain Wickes.
London’s blue-chip index rose 112 to 6,993. Next PLC (LON:NXT) said shoppers had returned with a vengeance in its latest quarter with sales 'materially' ahead of expectations, profits guidance raised and special payouts to shareholders and even the government. Trading has been so good the regulatory update was brought forward two weeks, said the retailer.
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (LON:BMY), the Harry Potter publisher, reported that books continued to fly off the shelves in the first four months of its financial year. Revenues were up 28% on this time last year, with consumer titles growing 26% and non-consumer 31%.
And Gold miner Ariana Resources PLC (LON:AAU) has doubled the resources estimate for the Kepez North area of the Kiziltepe gold-silver mine in western Turkey. "This is a great outcome from the recent drilling undertaken in the Kepez area,” said managing director Kerim Sener.
