FTSE 100 Live: Gains for Rolls, LSEG and Howden's offset mining slide

Group 1: Company Earnings and Performance - Salesforce shares fell in pre-market trading after earnings, as investor concerns about AI's impact on business software providers overshadowed reassurances from the company [1] - Nvidia reported fourth-quarter revenue of $68.13 billion, a 73% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EPS up 82% to $1.62, marking its 16th earnings beat in the past 17 quarters [9] - Ocado's adjusted EBITDA increased 59% to £178 million, with revenue rising 12.1% to £1.4 billion, but shares fell 9.5% due to execution risks surrounding cash flow targets [10][24] - Rolls-Royce reported a 40% increase in underlying operating profit to £3.5 billion, with revenue up 13% to £20.1 billion, and plans to return up to £9 billion to shareholders [25][26] Group 2: Market Reactions and Trends - The FTSE 100 index showed mixed performance, with gains from Rolls-Royce and LSEG offset by declines in mining stocks [12][20] - LSEG announced a £3 billion share buyback, positioning itself as a trusted data partner amid AI discussions, which has positively influenced its stock performance [21][22] - Howden Joinery's shares rose 7.3% after reporting better-than-expected full-year results and launching a £100 million buyback [15][16] Group 3: Sector Developments - The deal for UK Power Networks will result in French control over power networks in London and the South East, with France's EDF already operating all five nuclear power stations in the UK [3] - Engie has struck a £10.3 billion deal to acquire the entire power distribution network for London and the South East [4] - The HALO trade suggests a shift in investor focus from high-growth software/AI stocks to companies with tangible assets, benefiting sectors like energy and materials [28][29]