FTSE 100 to Open Higher With UK PMI Data, Ukraine Crisis in Focus

The FTSE 100 is seen opening higher with spreadbetting firm IG expecting London's blue chip index to rise 40 points. The U.K. manufacturing and services PMI surveys for February, due at 0930 GMT, will be a key area of focus for investors on Monday. The latest developments surrounding the Ukraine crisis will also be closely monitored. U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed in principle to a summit over Ukraine provided Russia doesn't invade its neighbor, which should provide some comfort to markets at the start of the week, Swissquote Bank analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya says in a note.


 
Companies News: 

Hammerson in Talks to Sell Two Shopping Centers for GBP120 Mln

Hammerson PLC said Monday that it is in discussions to potentially sell its Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter shopping centers to entities related to Redical Holdings AG for around 120 million pounds ($163.1 million).

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Diageo Starts $2 Bln Buyback Program

Diageo PLC said Monday that it has started a share buyback for up to 1.7 billion pounds ($2.31 billion) as part of its return of capital program.

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Halma Buys International Light Technologies for $26.6 Mln

Halma PLC said Monday that it is buying U.S. lighting company International Light Technologies, Inc. for $26.6 million in cash, which will be funded from the company's existing facilities.

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Dechra Pharmaceuticals 1H 2022 Pretax Profit Rose on Higher Revenue

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC said Monday that pretax profit and revenue for the first half of fiscal 2022 rose, and that its performance in the second half has remained strong as its major markets return to historical growth levels.

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Investec Sets Out Plans to Distribute 15% of Ninety One to Shareholders

Investec PLC said Monday that it plans to distribute shares worth 15% of asset manager Ninety One PLC to its shareholders, given its strong capital generation and optimization strategy.

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Next Fifteen Communications Confirms Talks to Buy Engine UK

Next Fifteen Communications Group PLC on Monday confirmed that it is in talks to acquire advertising and communications company Engine UK.

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John Menzies Gets New, Improved NAS Proposal Which it Would Recommend to Shareholders

John Menzies PLC said Monday that it has received a further improved offer from National Aviation Services and Agility Public Warehousing Co. K.S.C. that values the company at 558.8 million pounds ($759.3 million), and that it would be prepared to recommend to shareholders.


Contact: London NewsPlus, Dow Jones Newswires; Write to Sarka Halas at sarka.halas@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-21-22 0305ET