07:21 , Daniel O'Boyle Holiday Inn owner IHG says it will get a $25m profit boost this year, and $50m after that, as it devotes less money to its fund to support franchisees. The business will make changes to its system fund, which is used for marketing its franchised hotels and delivering its loyalty programme for them. The changes include reducing the amount of revenue from the sale of its loyalty points that are paid in. Revenue per available room up 2.6% globally, 2.4% in UK as prices remain "robust". CEO Elie Maalouf said: “The combined power of our platform and efficiency of our operating model will continue to drive IHG forward. We are excited about the future and our ability to capitalise further on our strengths, scale and leading positions, and on the attractive, long-term demand drivers for our markets.” 07:17 , Graeme Evans The FTSE 100 index is in position for another intraday record after IG Index forecast that London’s top flight will open about 18 points higher at 8190. That’s within ten points of the all-time high set this week and follows yesterday’s latest session of outperformance, when the FTSE 100 added 0.6% to set a record...