 Marks and Spencer Group PLC LSE:MKS, which plans to release a Christmas trading update this coming Thursday, 13 January, last year saw its shares tumble back close to all-time lows after a flattering surge during the pandemic. Since falling below 100p in late September the shares have rallied well, even though first-half results in November showed profits before tax fall, the Ocado online joint venture recording a loss and management warning they expect market conditions to become more challenging, and analysts are predicting lower festive spending. 