FTSE 100 to Open Lower as Ukraine Fears Persist

0743 GMT - The FTSE 100 is expected to stay in the red amid worries over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Spreadbetting firm IG expects the London index of blue-chip stocks to open 10 points lower after closing down 128 points on Tuesday. Oil prices jump on concerns about the Ukraine war and the implications of Western sanctions against Russia. "All of that equals an inflationary wave and supply chain disruption set to wash once again, across the world economy," Oanda analysts say. "As opposed to anytime else this century, it will occur in an already inflationary environment caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic." (renae.dyer@wsj.com)


 
Companies News: 

Aviva to Acquire Succession Wealth for GBP385 Mln to Strengthen Position in U.K.

Aviva PLC said Wednesday that it will buy Succession Wealth for 385 million pounds ($513 million) in a deal that strengthens its position in the growing U.K. market.

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Persimmon 2021 Pretax Profit Rose on Higher Completions, Selling Prices

Persimmon PLC said Wednesday that pretax profit rose in 2021 on the back of an increase in homes sold and higher selling prices.

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Weir Group's Full-Year Pretax Profit Rise Misses Guidance

Weir Group PLC on Wednesday reported a rise in pretax profit for 2021, which missed its own guidance, and said that it expects to post strong growth in revenue and profit for 2022.

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Vivo Energy 2021 Profit Rose as Retail Volumes Recovered to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Vivo Energy PLC on Wednesday reported a higher profit for 2021, as the retail business recovered to its pre-pandemic levels.

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Europa Oil & Gas Acquisition of Exploration License in Ireland Falls Through

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) PLC said Wednesday that it won't acquire the Frontier exploration license offshore Ireland after DNO North Sea (U.K.) Ltd. chose to end the sale-and-purchase agreement.

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Hiscox Swung to a 2021 Pretax Profit; Sees Outlook as Positive

Hiscox Ltd. on Wednesday reported a swing to a pretax profit for 2021 and said that it expects to close 2022 as a good year.

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Aviva PLC Pretax Profit Fell in 2021; To Increase 2022 Dividend by 40%

Aviva PLC on Wednesday posted a fall in pretax profit for 2021, but upgraded its dividend policy for 2022 and 2023.

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Vistry 2021 Profit, Revenue Rose; Sees Strong Start to 2022

Vistry Group PLC said Wednesday that 2021 pretax profit significantly rose along with revenue, and it reported a strong start to this year with increased average sales.

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Vertu Motors Raises FY 2022 Profit Guidance

Vertu Motors PLC on Wednesday raised financial guidance for the year ended Feb. 28, reflecting higher margins amid sector tailwinds and limited vehicle supply.

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Foxtons Swung to 2021 Pretax Profit on Better Market Conditions

Foxtons Group PLC said Wednesday it swung to a pretax profit in 2021 on higher revenue from improved market conditions and greater market share, and reinstated a final dividend.

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Nichols Swung to a Pretax Profit in 2021; Confident About 2022

Nichols PLC said Wednesday that it swung to a pretax loss in 2021 but said that it has entered 2022 with excellent momentum and financial position.


 
Market Talk: 

Gold's Overall Trend Maintains Bullish Bias on Charts

0629 GMT - Gold's overall trend maintains its bullish bias on the technical charts, as shown by the formation of consecutive higher highs and higher lows, DailyFX.com says. The precious metal has breached key resistance at $1,916/oz, opening the door for further upside potential to $1,954/oz, which represents a 27.2% extension of its 100% Fibonacci retracement from its December 2021 low. The moving average convergence divergence indicator is trending higher above the neutral midpoint, suggesting bullish momentum is dominating, although the gold price may be vulnerable to a technical pullback, DailyFX.com adds. Spot gold is down 0.5% at $1,935.14/oz. (ronnie.harui@wsj.com)


Contact: London NewsPlus, Dow Jones Newswires; Dow Jones Newswires; paul.larkins@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-02-22 0312ET