UK and European stocks are higher this morning following Asian markets higher. Over the weekend the UK government hit its target of 15 million people receiving their first vaccination by 15th February. Boris Johnson described it as an “extraordinary feat” and it puts the UK rollout ahead of other European countries.

Donald Trump was acquitted of incitement of insurrection. Senator Lindsay Graham said the Trump movement is alive and well”. The US stock-market is closed today.

The price of oil was up sharply overnight, extending last week’s gains and reaching its highest price in more than a year on increased tensions in the Middle East. Unconfirmed reports that an explosive drone headed for Saudi-Arabia was intercepted and destroyed led to the spike in price.

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