Britain’s economy grew by 0.6% in the final three months of 2017 according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. It would be the fastest rate of growth in a year. * Oil prices hit highest level in more than three years * UK manufacturing growth boosts economy in November * FTSE 100 hits new record high * Sainsbury’s warns of challenges despite record Christmas sales 2.26pm GMT The FTSE 100 has made it back into positive territory, up 13 points, putting it on course for another closing high. Here are the latest scores across Europe: US Opening Calls:#DOW 25282 -0.43%#SPX 2740 -0.44%#NASDAQ 6639 -0.60%#IGOpeningCall 2.18pm GMT OVER TO GREECE NOW, WHERE THOUSANDS OF PROTESTORS HAVE TAKEN TO THE STREETS ON THE FIRST DAY OF A PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ABOUT AUSTERITY MEASURES. _HELENA SMITH REPORTS FROM ATHENS:_ Continue reading...