Tesco shares struggled — rising gradually after being down for most of the day — despite data showing that the supermarket giant probably outperformed its smaller UK rivals during the festive season.

Christmas spending at UK supermarkets and weak sterling helped boost London’s Ftse 100 blue-chip index, which hit fresh record highs yesterday, as other European shares also ended slightly in positive territory.

British supermarket Morrisons has been saved at the last minute from being kicked out of London’s blue chip index after its first rise in sales for nearly 18 months sent shares surging.

Hundreds of fans tonight gathered to see ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell promote her second autobiography.