LONDON MARKET PRE-OPEN: Next raises profit guidance on online strength
Thu, 1st Apr 2021 07:43
(Alliance News) - Stocks in London are set for an upbeat end to an abbreviated week as markets in New York and Asia registered gains overnight, shaking off fresh lockdown measures in France.
In early UK company news, Next s full-year profit dived, as expected, though guidance was raised for the year ahead, Quilter has agreed to sell Quilter International for GBP483 million and Equiniti posted a loss for 2020 with its chief financial officer set to depart.
IG says futures indicate the FTSE 100 index of large-caps to open up 24.47 points, or 0.4%, at 6738.1 on Thursday. The FTSE 100 closed down 58.49 points, or 0.9%, at 6,713.63 on Wednesday.
1 April 2021 | 08:47am
StockMarketWire.com - A 2.2% increase in the National Minimum Wage to £8.91 has put a spring in the FTSE 100 on opening ahead of the long Easter weekend.
The rise in the minimum wage, which will apply to two million workers, although those on furlough are set to miss out, has lifted the FTSE 100 0.3% at 6,734.74, while the FTSE 250 is 0.4% higher at 21,601.77.
Clothing retailer Next has jumped 4.1% to £81.92 after it posted a 15% fall in full price sales for 2020/21 and pre-tax profit of £342 million, in line with guidance but said online sales growth is set to continue.
In the first eight weeks of the 2021/22 year, Next said its online sales have been stronger than expected and has raised its central profit guidance by £30 million from £670 million to £700 million for 2021/22.
LONDON BRIEFING: Next lse.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lse.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
1 April 2021 | 16:37pm
StockMarketWire.com - The FTSE 100 was up 0.4% to 6,737.30 amid optimism over a reopening of the UK economy.
By 4.30pm UK time the S&P 500 in the US moved above 4,000 for the first time as it marked a new record high, gaining 0.9%.
Clothing retailer Next has jumped 3.2% to £81.14 after it posted a 15% fall in full price sales for 2020/21 and pre-tax profit of £342 million, in line with guidance but said online sales growth is set to continue.
In the first eight weeks of the 2021/22 year, Next said its online sales have been stronger than expected and has raised its central profit guidance by £30 million from £670 million to £700 million for 2021/22.
Investegate |Avon Rubber PLC Announcements | Avon Rubber PLC: U S Army Ballistic Helmet Order investegate.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from investegate.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.