By Samuel Indyk
Investing.com – At 07:25GMT, FTSE 100 futures are trading higher by 1.4% at 7,229.
In FX markets, GBP/USD is trading at 1.3218, EUR/GBP is trading at 0.8536. The US Dollar Index is down 0.05%.
Today’s calendar highlights include UK CBI Distributive Trades Survey, Canadian Retail Sales, US Current Account, API Crude Oil Inventories
Data
UK public sector net borrowing for November was £17.4 billion, above expectations of £16 billion. Public sector net borrowing between April and November is down to £136 billion, from around £252 billion in the same period last year. However, the figure is almost three times as large as the same period in 2019.
Stocks
AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) - Ultomiris regulatory submission accepted under FDA Priority Review in the US for adults with generalised myasthenia gravis.
Schroders (LON:SDR) - Reached agreement to acquire a 75% shareholding in renewable infrastructure manager Greencoat Capital Holdings Limited for an initial consideration of £358 million.
GlaxoSmithKline PLC (LON:GSK) - ViiV Healthcare, which is majority owned by GSK, has announced US FDA approval of Apretude (cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension), the first and only long-acting injectable option for HIV prevention.
BHP Group (LON:BHPB) - Confirmed that all regulatory and competition approvals for unification have now been received, including approval from the National Treasury of South Africa. If approved by shareholders and all other conditions are satisfied or waived (including the UK court's sanction of the scheme of arrangement and admission of Limited shares to the standard segment of the FCA official list and trading on LSE and listing on the JSE), unification is expected to complete on 31 January 2022.
Playtech (LON:PTEC) - Due to recent COVID development and the possibility of revised guidance being issued or new restrictions being imposed, Playtech has decided to implement certain additional arrangements to allow Scheme Shareholders to participate and vote virtually at the Court Meeting and for Playtech Shareholders to watch and submit questions at the General Meeting through a virtual platform.
Johnson Matthey (LON:JMAT) - To commence first tranche of £200 million share buyback programme today.
Hiscox (LON:HSX) - To appoint Paul Cooper as Group Chief Financial Officer, subject to regulatory approval.
HarbourVest (LON:HVPD) - Credit facility has increased from $600 million to $700 million with immediate effect.
Foxtons (LON:FOXT) - To appoint Chris Hough as Chief Financial Officer and as an Executive Director. Chris will succeed Richard Harris who has tendered his resignation in order to take up the position of Chief Financial Officer of The Rank Group (LON:RNK).