The FTSE 100 has continued higher this week, during a heavy week of earnings from several retailers. The FTSE is on course to reach fresh highs after a better-than-expected performance by the UK economy in November.

Friday sees trading updates from Taylor Wimpey, DFS and 888 Holdings.

Taylor Wimpey

• Taylor Wimpey is issued its trading statement ahead of its full year results for the year ended 31 December.
• According to the business, it performed well, achieving group completions of 14,154, with UK home completions at 13,773.
• The company increased its total number of outlets to 259 by the end of the year, compared to 228 last year.

DFS

• DFS released its interim trading update for the twenty six weeks to 25 December.
• The group reported a 10/6% order intake growth, relative to the FY18 period.
• It stated it had a strong second quarter performance supported by further market share gains, and it has seen a good start to the important winter sale.
• Therefore, the group reiterated its mid care profit guidance of £36m profit before tax.

888 Holdings

• 888 reported its trading update for the fourth quarter, with revenue of £458m, down 3%%.
• Online revenues declined to £326m, down 5% compared to the prior year, but retail revenues gained 5%.
• The group added that the world cup contributed to a successful fourth quarter and was a strong period for acquisition of new customers and engagement of existing customers.
• As a result, its outlook remains unchanged with group revenues expected to be lower by a low single digit percentage.