THE DAILY BRIEFING

BUILDING GLOOM Activity in Britain’s construction sector came within of whisker of stagnation last month, sliding to a four-month low as housebuilders endured a tough start to the year.

The Markit/CIPS UK construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) recorded a reading of 50.2 in January, down from 52.2 in December. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

TV TRIUMPH US television network HBO has fought off competition from Apple to win rights to Star Wars director JJ Abrams’ science-fiction series Demimonde, which marks the Lost creator’s return to television writing since 2008’s Fringe.

OLDIES SITE Chinese tech giant Alibaba has launched a shopping website and app aimed at pensioners, called Taobao For Elders.

SHOE FITS Footwear retailer Dune London has reported a 5.2pc rise in sales in the year to January 27, boosted by strong demand over Christmas and online orders.

CINEMA DEAL More than 87pc of shareholders have backed Cineworld’s £2.6bn takeover of US cinema chain Regal Entertainment.

CASH CALL Electric car maker Tesla has turned to debt markets to raise more than £380m ($546m) as it rapidly burns through cash – reportedly nearly $500,000 an hour.

SPECIAL SPECS Chip giant Intel could launch so- called ‘ smart glasses’ that would overlay objects from the digital world on top of real life, according to reports.

BOSS QUITS Japanese giant Sony’s chief executive Kaz Hirai is stepping down after six years at the helm to become chairman. Kenichiro Yoshida replaces him.

IT BLOW Bank TSB reported a 10.6pc fall in profits to £162.7m as delays in launching its IT system meant it had to pay to use technology from former parent Lloyds.