By Samuel Indyk
Investing.com – At 07:30GMT, FTSE 100 futures are trading lower by 1.4% at 7069.25.
In FX markets, GBP/USD is trading at 1.3207, EUR/GBP is trading at 0.8520. The US Dollar Index is up 0.05%.
Today’s calendar highlights include Eurozone Current Account, UK CBI Industrial Trends, US Leading Index.
Coronavirus
Stock futures are lower in early trade as the Omicron variant has forced some European countries to announce new restrictions.
UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said the UK has 104 hospitalisations and 12 deaths with Omicron. Raab added that he cannot make any guarantees on further pandemic restrictions.
Stocks
Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) - Dominic Barton to succeed Simon Thompson as the company's new Chair.
AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) - Saphnelo recommended for approval in the EU by CHMP for the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Separately, Tezspire (tezepelumab) has been approved in the US for severe asthma.
GlaxoSmithKline (LON:GSK) - Sir Dave Lewis has been appointed as Non-Executive Chair Designate of the new Consumer Healthcare company which will result from the proposed demerger from GSK in 2022. His appointment will take effect from 1st January 2022.
Rolls-Royce (LON:RR) - Reached agreement with Qatar Investment Authority to invest GBP 85 million in Rolls-Royce SMR Limited. Rolls-Royce SMR is building a new technology solution to deliver affordable, low carbon, nuclear power.
Standard Chartered (LON:STAN) – Bank of England has fined Standard Chartered £46.55 million for failing to be open and cooperative.
Bodycote (LON:BOY) - Appointed Daniel Dayan as Non-Executive Chair with effect from 1 January 2022.
J D Wetherspoon (LON:JDW) - Appointed two employee directors with full plc director status and two associate employee directors. The employee directors are Debbie Whittingham, regional manager for the West Midlands, and Hudson Simmons, area manager for Sheffield.
Frasers (LON:FRAS) - CEO Mike Ashley is reportedly considering a move to take Frasers private. (Telegraph)
Marks and Spencer (LON:MKS) - Reportedly hired MWM Consulting to help benchmark three internal contenders who are vying to become the next CEO. Sources added that a formal search process has yet to get underway and current CEO Rowe could stay for another couple of years. (Sky News)