FTSE 100 futures are about flat heading into the session, after the index closed at another record high yesterday. The pound is a touch lower, down 0.1% against the dollar, but sticking above $1.23. Stay with us for everything that matters to UK markets.

The FTSE 100 ( ^FTSE) and European stocks were higher on Wednesday as UK government borrowing rose more than expected in December to hit its highest level for the month for four years. This continues to pile more pressure on the UK's finances.

The UK’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in the three months to November, up from 4.3% previously and the highest level since May. Average earnings including bonuses increased 5.6% on an annual basis in the quarter to November,

The FTSE 100 edges higher having hit a record high on Friday, while gilt yields and domestic stocks are relatively unchanged; The pound is rebounding partially against the dollar,

Jon Smith considers both sides of the argument as to whether it really makes sense to buy FTSE 100 shares give the current index price. The post At a record high, is it time to buy or sell FTSE 100 stocks?

Sanderson Design has warned that its profits will slump by more than half this year after hopes of a pick-up in trading were dashed by a “challenging consumer and industry environment.” The luxury furnishing supplier said underlying pre-tax profits for the 12 months to end January will be in the region of £4 million to £4.

That’s meant it avoided the swoon and recovery that the FTSE 250 suffered, as the latter is a much clearer read on the mood music around the UK.