Alphabet and Advanced Micro Devices posted results that disappointed investors. Microsoft beat expectations but its share price did virtually nothing following the announcement (the company generally publishes very well, but the market generally expects very, very well, hence a certain softness in the reception). Alphabet and AMD fell by 6% in after-hours trading.

The FTSE 100 rose on Tuesday, led by gains in financials and tech. GDP figures suggested the Eurozone economy reported 0% growth in Q4, avoiding a technical recession –Germany reported the weakest figures (-0.3%). The FTSE 100 ended the session 0.4% higher.

Today, Vodafone's shares fell 2.2% after rejecting a revised proposal from French telecom operator Iliad to merge their Italian businesses.

GSK anticipates a rise in its 2024 results following a better-than-expected fourth quarter. The pharmaceutical company expects a 5% to 7% increase in revenue, a 7% to 10% rise in adjusted operating profit, and a 6% to 9% growth in adjusted earnings per share. GSK's Q4 revenue reached £8.05 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of £7.61 billion. The company's adjusted operating profit rose by 21% to £1.75 billion. Despite the positive results, GSK's stock dipped 0.3% in London trading.

Investors are awaiting the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and Jerome Powell’s speech later today. The central bank is widely expected to keep its rates unchanged.

Things to read today: