The Business Matrix: Saturday 15 February 2014

De Beers looks set to sparkle

De Beers, the diamond group 85 per cent owned by Anglo American, said that prices are set to rise. According to De Beers’ index, prices have gained 2 per cent since the start of the year. Underlying profits in 2013 were up more than a third.

Sterling at a five-year high

Sterling rose to its highest level in more than five years against a basket of currencies yesterday as investors predicted the Bank of England could be the first major central bank to lift interest rates. Against the dollar the pound hit $1.6744.

Japanese snap up Viber for $900m

The Japanese online retailer Rakuten has paid $900m (£540m) for Viber. The messaging app which has 300 million registered users, lets smartphone users make free calls and send messages over the internet.

Game of two halves for Arsenal

Arsenal posted a £2.2m loss for the six months to the end of November, down from a £17.8m profit a year ago, as the profits made from trading players slumped. Its turnover from football, however, rose from £106m to £136m.