JD beats forecasts

SPORTS fashion store JD announced strong sales in a trading update yesterday, exceeding analysts’ expectations.

The firm said it expected headline profit before tax and exceptional items for the financial year to beat expectations of £125m by £10m.

Strong demand for its trainers and tracksuits led the group to post an 82pc jump in first-half profit.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman, said: ‘Recent trading gives me every reason to expect a good Christmas’

The firm’s shares were up 2.34pc yesterday to 1,008p.