BUSINESS LIVE: FTSE and pound slump as new Covid strain crisis grips the nation; Frasers Group warns on profits; Arcadia sells Evans to Australian firm
The FTSE 100 and the pound are deep in the red this morning as a new strain of Covid prompts an escalation of the crisis gripping the nation.Ā
Sentiment is not being helped by more indications that the EU trade deal negotiations are at an impasse.Ā

vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
In company news, the administrators of collapsed retail group Arcadia have agreed the sale of its Evans brand, e-commerce and wholesale business to Australian firm City Chic Collective for Ā£23million.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers retail empire has issued a profit warning, saying that previous guidance of a 20 per cent to 30 per cent boost in profits this year is unlikely to be achieved.

The Port of Dover closed to all freight vehicles leaving the UK for the next 48 hours after France imposed an inbound travel ban from 11pm last nightĀ
š Top News in the Last Hour By Importance Score
# | Title | š i-Score |
---|---|---|
1 | Harvey Weinstein can stay in hospital during #MeToo retrial, judge rules | š“ 75 / 100 |
2 | The incredible new Ā£1.18bn airport and bridge set to open in major city | š“ 65 / 100 |
3 | Judge denies Sean 'Diddy' Combs' request for two-month trial delay | š“ 62 / 100 |
4 | Catholic, 64, nailed to cross in Good Friday 'crucifixion' as vow to God after 'miracle' | šµ 55 / 100 |
5 | Oxford United v Leeds: Championship ā live | šµ 45 / 100 |
6 | Keep lettuce fresh and green for longer with clever storage method and avoid brown leaves | šµ 45 / 100 |
7 | Harlan Coben's top 11 most popular books ranked – Fool Me Once is No. 2 | šµ 45 / 100 |
8 | Peter Andre baffles fans with Jamaican gangster movie trailer as 'racist' row erupts | šµ 45 / 100 |
9 | Dylan Efron Saves Two Women From Drowning in Miami | šµ 40 / 100 |
10 | Yuki Tsunoda crashes in Saudi Arabian GP session as immediate health update issued | šµ 36 / 100 |