STOCK WATCH

SHARES in insurer Aviva edged up amid reports it is set to unveil a £1bn share buyback plan.

Boss Mark Wilson is expected to reveal the buyback at an investor day this week and analysts predict the firm has a war-chest of more than £1.5bn in cash to spend. It would be the insurer’s second buyback this year, following a £300m buyback in May. It also follows its agreement to buy Irish insurer Friends First for £116m.

Investors sent shares up 0.6pc or 3.1p to 502.5p.