In its most recent trading update, Cineworld has reported 90% of pre-pandemic revenues.

On 2019 levels, revenues were 129% up and the cinema said that demand had steadily increased across UK and Ireland. Films including the latest James Bond and Black Widow had boosted the group’s recovery.

“James Bond has come to the rescue of Cineworld, helping its UK and Irish cinemas in October to beat box office and concession revenue levels seen in the same month two years earlier, before the pandemic struck,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

“No Time To Die has encouraged people to try the cinema again, although the master spy was unable to crack the code for similar success in the US and other Cineworld territories where October’s takings didn’t surpass the comparative period two years earlier.”

With COVID-19 restrictions in the rear view mirror in the UK and the US moving in the same direction, cinema goers have take the opportunity to return to watch on the big screens.

“We are thrilled to see audiences returning in significant numbers. Our partnerships with the studios are as strong as ever and with the incredible movie slate to come, there are real grounds for optimism in our industry,” said chief executive, Mooky Greidinger.

“Whilst there are challenges ahead, I believe these efforts have positioned us for great success in the future and we are all looking forward to continuing to welcome our customers to the best place to watch a movie.”

Films that are coming out ahead of Christmas that are expected to boost Cineworld demand include Spider-Man, Top Gun and The Matrix.

The number of vacancies in the UK has now reached 2.7m according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

The first week of November saw 221,000 new jobs posted, which is the fourth highest weekly number since the start of 2020.

Most jobs posted were for driving instructors and forklift truck drivers whilst there was a fall in construction roles.

“The latest job advert numbers show recruitment activity staying strong in the run-up to Christmas,” said  Neil Carberry, chief executive.

“The general positive trend varies by region and sector, however. London has been affected more than other areas by the rise of hybrid working and its jobs market continues to grow at a slower pace than the rest of the UK.

“While roles in logistics and care are in high demand, the construction sector saw a drop-off last week as supply issues constrained the industry’s ability to work to capacity.

“It’s vital that, as the recovery continues, government put measures in place that will help companies invest with confidence, thereby increasing productivity and helping the economy to grow.

“That includes a revolution in the skills system, especially focused on helping those furthest from the labour market into work,” he added.

Alibaba reported record sales amid the Singles Day shopping event.

The Chinese e-commerce group 540.3bn yuan (£63bn) spent by Chinese shoppers on the day that is similar to US Black Friday shopping.

Strong sales were in cosmetics, appliances and electronics. This is the first year that year-on-year growth failed to reach double digit growth.

Rui Ma from the Tech Buzz China explained: “It’s probably not that great if you consider the market is expected to grow at almost 12%. They’ve already tapped out this holiday to its extreme. This is already a big number so its hard to show growth,”

Alibaba shares were down 1%.

AstraZeneca sales jumped 50% in the third quarter, whilst revenues were up 50% this quarter and 32% over the whole year.

The Covid-19 vaccine is now expected to become profitable. The group has sold 2.2 billion vaccines since the year started.

 “AstraZeneca’s scientific leadership continues to provide strong revenue growth and exceptional pipeline delivery, with eight positive late-stage readouts across seven medicines since June, including our long acting antibody combination showing promise in both prevention and treatment of COVID-19,” said Pascal Soriot, the chief executive officer.

“The addition of Alexion furthers our commitment to bring transformative therapies to patients around the world, and I am proud of our colleagues’ ongoing dedication and focus.”

Following the results, shares in the group were down 2.62% (0913GMT).

“AstraZeneca’s earnings reflect an impressive quarter for big pharma, but a wealth of growth drivers sets this company apart,” said Sebastian Skeet, Senior Analyst for healthcare sector clients at Third Bridge.

“Q3 2021 has seen a number of the big pharma cohort beat analyst estimates and raise Q3 guidance. This morning AstraZeneca did neither, missing analyst EPS estimates and maintaining guidance, despite reporting higher than expected product sales growth, at 32% CER excluding the vaccine, and 15% growth in core EPS. On a reported basis, AstraZeneca posted a loss, although this was mainly driven by the necessary investments to support the burgeoning pipeline.”

“AstraZeneca’s top-line beat was impressive, and in the context of continued vaccine rollouts, booster doses and the impressive data from Merck’s and Pfizer’s antiviral pills, perhaps this points to a normalisation of the market environment.” 

Ted Baker shares rose on Thursday morning after the fashion brand slashed its loss for the 28 weeks to 14th August.

Reported loss before tax for the period was reduced to £25.3m, down from £86.4m in the same period a year prior.

“I’m pleased with the continued progress we’re making, as we return to revenue growth, and make big strides back towards profitability. The brand remains healthy, delivering a stronger full price mix alongside encouraging early reactions to the new collection,” commented Rachel Osborne, Chief Executive Officer on the results.

Ted Baker shares rose as high as 145.2p in early trade on Thursday, before falling back to remain over 2% higher.

Despite a torrid couple of years for the brand, cash remained positive with a net cash position of £12.4m.

“Ted Baker’s half year results showed the fashion retailer is clawing its way back towards profitability as it works to restore its image as a premium brand. With weddings back on the social calendar and offices reopening, people are willing to spend more on their clothes and as a result Ted saw losses narrow as margins improved,” said Laura Hoy, Equity Analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

“The headline figures dress up a concerning decline in eCommerce sales though. Heavy promotional activity last year meant online sales were booming, so the group was up against tough comparisons. And we commend the group’s commitment to backing away from discounting, which eroded the brand image. Still, a double-digit decline in online sales is troubling.”

“A big part of Ted’s transformation plans rests on improving the group’s digital presence and progress on this front has been sluggish with management pushing back the launch of its new online platform to early 2022. While easing pandemic restrictions means people can return to in-person shopping, it doesn’t mean they will. Losing ground in e-commerce is bad no matter how you slice it. The online shopping boom hasn’t showed any signs of slowing, and the we would’ve like to see the same  from Ted’s eCommerce sales.”