By Samuel Indyk
Investing.com – At 07:22GMT, FTSE 100 futures are trading lower by 0.3% at 7188.
In FX markets, GBP/USD is trading at 1.3316, EUR/GBP is trading at 0.8508. The US Dollar Index is down 0.1%.
Today’s calendar highlights include German Ifo, Eurozone CPI.
Data
UK retail sales rose 1.4% in November, above expectations of an increase of 0.8%. On an annual basis, retail sales increased 4.7%, above expectations of 4.2%. The Office for National Statistics said retail sales were boosted by strong Black Friday and pre-Christmas trading. Clothing stores fared well and have now exceeded pre-pandemic level for the first time. Proportion of online sales continued downward trend to lowest level since March 2020.
Stocks
Johnson Matthey (LON:JMAT) - Announced sale of its Health business to Altaris Capital Partners for £325 million enterprise value. Will retain approximately a 30% equity stake from which it expects to realise significant additional future value. Completion anticipated in mid-2022.
Royal Dutch Shell (LON:RDSa) - Sale of its controlling interest in Deer Park, Texas refinery to Pemex has been delayed until next year.
Sanne (LON:SNNS) - Sanne and Apex now expect that the Scheme should become effective towards the end of Q1 2022 as the two parties work to satisfy the outstanding conditions. A further update and notice of the time and date of the Scheme Sanction Hearing will be given in due course.
SIG (LON:SHI) - Group has continued to trade well in Q4, and ahead of expectations. Full year underlying operating profit outturn now expected to be ahead of prior expectations and no less than £40 million.
Daily Mail and General Trust (LON:DMGOa) - Rothermere Continuation Limited has announced that all of the Conditions to the Final Offer had been satisfied or, where applicable, waived and the Final Offer was therefore unconditional in all respects.
Ibstock (LON:IBST) - Announced new carbon reduction commitments including a target to be net carbon zero by 2040.
Primary Health Properties (LON:PHP) - Agreed to acquire a medical and office facility in the North East of England for a total consideration of £10 million. The acquisition will complete when a current comprehensive refurbishment of the premises is finished, which is expected to occur in Q2 2022.
Smart Metering Systems (LON:SMSS) - Extended the exclusivity agreement with Shell Energy Retail for the installation and funding of smart meters until December 2025.