11 March 2019
Superdry and OneSavings Bank/Charter Court Financial Services“Asia drove global markets on Monday as investors bid up Chinese stocks on hopes of more government support for the country’s economy. Shanghai’s SSE Composite index jumped 1.9%, extending strong gains seen last week. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index climbed nearly 1%. “Commodity producers rode this wave with the FTSE 100 being propped up by miners...
8 March 2019
GVC and SIG“Several bouts of poor economic news from China and Germany cast a dark cloud over global markets. The FTSE 100 fell 0.7% to 7,107 on Friday; markets in mainland Europe all flashed red and Asian shares really took a beating. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell by 2% and China’s SSE Composite Index dropped by a punishing 4.4%. “Chinese exports saw their...
7 March 2019
Greggs and Countrywide“The FTSE 100 dipped 0.4% to 7,165 on Thursday as several big names traded without the right to their dividends including Rio Tinto, Evraz and Persimmon. Disappointing results from Admiral and Schroders also weighed on the index. “Asian shares were also weak including a 0.9% decline in Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index and a 0.7% decline in Japan’s...
6 March 2019
Just Eat and DS Smith“Tobacco and mining stocks initially helped to drive the FTSE 100 up but the index quickly lost all its gains in early trading to stay flat at 7,186. Chinese stocks rallied on stimulus hopes with the SSE Composite index up 1.6%,” says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
Just Eat“You can tell Just Eat is a company under pressure from an...
5 March 2019
Ashtead’s powerful profits growth yet to fully dispel doubts over US economy“With around 85% of sales and 90% of profits coming from its American operation, Sunbelt, Ashtead provides a useful insight into the US economy and how it is performing. Investors who have a bullish view of the world will therefore take comfort from yet another quarter of double-digit percentage increases in both sales and profit, as Ashtead added...
5 March 2019
GoCompare and Debenhams“It’s rare these days to see Vodafone as the biggest riser on the FTSE 100 given its share price has been depressed for a long time amid market concerns about the sustainability of its dividend. “It bucks the trend on Tuesday to top the FTSE leader board on news it plans to raise circa €4 billion through issuing bonds. Vodafone’s share price...
4 March 2019
Aviva and Ted Baker“There is growing chatter that US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping could meet this month to end the US/China trade war," says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell.
“A positive outcome would be a major catalyst for global markets; indeed, stocks are rallying in many parts of the world on Monday following media reports that...
1 March 2019
WPP and Rightmove“A mixture of corporate results, a dip in sterling and a recovery rally in the resources sector helped the FTSE 100 to a decent start on Friday after a tricky week for the index. “Sentiment was helped by better than expected Chinese manufacturing figures with a solid increase in new orders,” says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
WPP“Exp...
28 February 2019
Aston Martin and Howden Joinery“Markets around the world take a step back amid disappointment over Donald Trump’s failure to reach a deal with North Korea and weak manufacturing data from China. The FTSE 100 was also hit by several large companies trading without the rights to the latest dividend including AstraZeneca and Micro Focus,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ...
27 February 2019
Taylor Wimpey / Rio Tinto, ITV and Experian“The FTSE 100 took a step back on Wednesday, falling 0.6% to 7,110 with notable weakness in the big consumer goods companies such as Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser. “Markets were also weak across mainland Europe and parts of Asia including a 0.4% decline in Germany’s DAX index,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell.
Taylor Wimpey / Rio...26 February 2019
Persimmon and Travis Perkins“The pound is rallying amid hopes that Theresa May could delay Brexit, rising 0.5% against the euro to €1.1591 and up by the same amount against the US dollar at $1.3160. “Strong sterling is generally bad for the FTSE 100 because a large number of the index constituents earn in overseas currencies but have their shares priced in pounds. “The blue...
25 February 2019
Persimmon and Associated British Foods“Donald Trump’s decision to delay increasing tariffs on Chinese goods has helped to lift stock markets around the world. It is therefore no surprise to see companies with exposure to Asia leading the UK market. “Top risers in the FTSE 350 include investment trust Fidelity China Special Situations, mining companies and financial services group...
22 February 2019
Dairy Crest / Provident Financial and Pearson“The FTSE 100 is back in business with a 0.3% gain to 7,186, led by miners Evraz, Fresnillo and Glencore. Chatter about Just Eat being a takeover target also fuels share price momentum in the food ordering platform. “Over in Japan, the Nikkei failed to extend its winning streak with a 0.2% decline to 21,425,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at...
20 February 2019
Sainsbury’s, Lloyds and Intu“Share price gains from the banking and mining sectors help to boost the FTSE 100 by 0.3% to 7,199 on Wednesday, with Lloyds and Glencore both riding high off the back of financial results. “Markets across mainland Europe and Asia also take a step forward. Sterling dips 0.2% against the US dollar and oil prices also fall by the same amount,” says...
19 February 2019
HSBC and BHP“A string of disappointing results from some of London’s largest-listed companies weighs on the FTSE 100 and drags the index down 0.2% to 7,202. HSBC and BHP both fail to impress the market and there is also negative analyst comment on Standard Chartered which depresses its share price. “The next few weeks are very busy in terms of companies...
18 February 2019
RBS’ dividend may be special but the 2018 results and outlook are not“Shareholders in RBS will be delighted to see the bank top up interim dividend payment and take the total for the year to 11p, via a 3.5p regular distribution and a 7.5p special. That will also raise a smile at the Treasury and among taxpayers, as their 62% stake means they will receive some £820 million in dividend payments,” says Russ Mould, AJ...
18 February 2019
Reckitt Benckiser and McColl’s Retail“The London market failed to sustain last week’s positive momentum with the FTSE 100 falling 0.2% on Monday amid weakness in pharma, tobacco and insurance stocks. “Other parts of the world fared better including Japan’s Nikkei 225 which climbed 1.8%, riding a wave that spread across other parts of Asia thanks to growing optimism over the US/China...
15 February 2019
Short-sellers may be on to something in the UK (but they are getting stomped in the US)Not everyone approves of the practice of short-selling but supporters will point to the diligent research involved, the risk posed by the unlimited downside of a short position and the liquidity provided, says Russ Mould, AJ Bell Investment Director. Some investors may view hedge funds’ occasionally public promotion of their bearish views as...
15 February 2019
Royal Bank of Scotland and Premier Foods“Frustrations over the pace of US/China trade talks have weighed on markets with the FTSE 100 dipping 0.1% as the week comes to a close. Markets elsewhere in Europe and Asia were also weak. “Negative sentiment concerning trade issues will almost certainly cast a dark cloud over the natural resources industry and so it is that London-listed miners...
14 February 2019
Micro Focus and Restaurant Group“The pharmaceutical sector was the principal driver of the FTSE 100 on Thursday with the blue-chip index rising 0.2% to 7,206. AstraZeneca was the star of the show amid positive financial results. “Markets were also strong in other parts of Europe although Asia didn’t share the Valentine Day’s joy where screens, rather than roses, were flashing red...
13 February 2019
Falling inflation may give retailers something to smile about (at last)“The Bank of England may be pleased to see inflation ease below its 2.0% target in January, as this may give them breathing space in which to calibrate monetary policy in the run-up to and initial stages of Brexit, but retailers may also welcome a lesser increase in the cost of living,” says Russ Mould, AJ Bell Investment Director.
Source: ONS
“Wa...
13 February 2019
Dunelm and Hochschild Mining“Global markets are back in business on Wednesday. Major indices in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Hong Kong and Tokyo all step forward amid an apparent return of confidence by investors no doubt linked to optimism over US/China trade talks.
“In the FTSE 100, industrials, miners, insurers and housebuilders lead the way, with the index nudging up 0...
12 February 2019
Plus500 and AA“The FTSE 100 extends yesterday’s gains and at 7,153 is only 24 points away from hitting the year-to-date high (7,177 on 5 February, based on closing prices). Miners, tobacco stocks, banks and healthcare firms help to drive up the index. “Sterling is flat at $1.287 ahead of Theresa May’s update to MPs about her Brexit negotiations. “Overseas...
11 February 2019
Just Eat“Renewed pressure on sterling amid signs Theresa May will further delay a meaningful vote on a Brexit deal and is unwilling to accept Labour suggestions for a cross-party compromise helps lift the FTSE 100 on Monday morning. “The index of leading UK shares tends to benefit from a falling pound as it boosts the relative value of its constituents’...
8 February 2019
SSE“The FTSE 100 held firm on Friday at 7,090 with investors likely to be relieved that yesterday’s 1.1% decline didn’t turn into something uglier as the week came to a close. “Markets in other parts of Europe fared less well, including a 0.2% decline in Frankfurt’s DAX index despite a positive surprise on a piece of economic data. German exports rose...
8 February 2019
FAANGs face key test in 2019 if they are to maintain their recent share price momentum“If you asked an investor would they be willing to pay $2.9 trillion for a company that was going to show virtually no earnings growth in 2019, after a year when operating profit and free cash flow growth had slowed to zero by the end of 2018, investment spending began to accelerate and regulatory pressure gathered then they would probably laugh at...
7 February 2019
Thomas Cook/TUI and Superdry“The FTSE 100 trades a touch lower on Thursday but is still largely holding on to the big gains it enjoyed earlier in the week, with sterling still dogged by Brexit worries. “The Bank of England is almost universally expected to keep interest rates on hold later today so the focus is likely to be on its forecasts for growth and inflation,” says...
6 February 2019
Barratt Developments and CYBG“After a strong run over the past few sessions, the FTSE 100 takes stock of events and trades flat at 7,171. Gains in housebuilders and miners are offset by weakness in pharma and oil stocks. “Asian and Continental Europe markets were also lacklustre. The pound nudged up against the dollar and gold prices chugged along to hit $1,314 per ounce. Oil...
4 February 2019
Ryanair“Markets were steady at the start of the new week with sterling rising against the euro and US dollar. The FTSE 100 advanced 0.15% to 7,030 led by Royal Dutch Shell and BP which were lifted by a stronger oil price. Brent crude advanced 0.6% to $63.12 per barrel. “The commodity price appreciation was bad news for fuel-hungry airlines, with EasyJet...
1 February 2019
Stock markets movements year to date and TalkTalk Telecom“So far 2019 hasn’t been that bad for investors given nearly all major market indices have delivered positive gains. India’s S&P BSE 100 is the only major index to be in negative territory, otherwise there are roughly 4% to 6% gains across Europe, 7% to 9% gains from the US and more than 10% from Russia and Brazil. “Risk appetite seems to be...
31 January 2019
Royal Dutch Shell and BT“An unexpectedly dovish US Federal Reserve which seemed to dial back on the likely pace of rate increases overnight helped provide a boost to global markets. “Amid a raft of corporate updates, including a positive fourth quarter performance from index heavyweight Royal Dutch Shell, the FTSE 100 trades 0.6% higher to move within sight of the 7,000...
30 January 2019
London Stock Exchange and Wizz Air“Investors appear to be pricing in a positive resolution to the new round of trade talks between the US and China given how mining and oil shares lead the FTSE 100 higher on Wednesday.
“Sterling rises by 0.27% against the US dollar to $1.3103 and by 0.18% against the euro to €1.1451 following the latest developments in the Brexit saga. But it’s not...
29 January 2019
Domino’s Pizza and Royal Mail“The latest machinations in the House of Commons over Brexit will take place tonight. With sterling still volatile against this backdrop, the FTSE 100 was on the march, recovering some of the losses seen in recent days to trade more than 1% higher early on. “The index is being powered by heavyweight tobacco stocks British American Tobacco and...
28 January 2019
Will Apple sweeten or sour sentiment with profit guidance after its Q1s on Tuesday?“Investors in Apple – and technology stocks more generally – will be looking toward the company’s first-quarter results on Tuesday night for some reassurance after the profit warning on 3 January and the important numbers will not be those for Q1 but any guidance from boss Tim Cook about the second quarter and beyond,” says Russ Mould, AJ Bell...
28 January 2019
Marks & Spencer / Ocado and Paragon Banking“Markets are bracing themselves for the next big Brexit hurdle where MPs will vote on Tuesday on a series of amendments to the Prime Minister’s plans. The US Federal Reserve will also meet later in the week to decide if US interest rates should go up. “Against this backdrop the pound didn’t continue the rally seen earlier this year, perhaps...
25 January 2019
Fuller, Smith & Turner and Earthport“Despite a further advance in sterling on reports the DUP may be softening its opposition to Theresa May’s Brexit deal, the FTSE 100 manages some gains on Friday morning as commodity price strength linked to geo-political concerns helps lift the resources space. “Traditionally a stronger pound is bad news for the FTSE given its bias towards...
24 January 2019
Fevertree“It’s a mixed day for the markets with the FTSE 100 down 0.4%, the FTSE 250 flat and most of the major indices in Continental Europe down slightly. After moderate gains on Wall Street last night, Asian stocks struggle to find direction on Thursday with Japan’s Nikkei index down 0.1% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index up 0.4%. “On the UK market...
23 January 2019
Weak US housing sales raise questions for Ferguson“As a result of the US Government shutdown investors have been deprived of a lot of the regular macroeconomic data upon which they rely, although in the case of the US housing market the lack of fresh numbers may have been a blessing, because December’s existing homes sales data were quite frightening,” says Russ Mould, AJ Bell Investment Director...
23 January 2019
Metro Bank and Burberry“Some of the largest companies by size are having a bad day which means markets are being dragged down. British American Tobacco, Royal Dutch Shell, Reckitt Benckiser and Barclays are among the top fallers on the FTSE, helping to pull down the blue chip index by 0.5% to 6,864. “This follows a weak session on Wall Street last night where the major...
22 January 2019
Dixons Carphone and Kier“Markets looked a bit wobbly on Tuesday with weakness in natural resource companies and financial stocks dragging the FTSE 100 down 0.3% to 6,950. “Asian markets were also looking gloomy with declines across the major indices as investors worried once again about a slowdown in global growth. “Sterling was also weak against the US dollar and euro as...
21 January 2019
Just Eat and William Hill“The FTSE 100 is doing its best to get back through the psychologically-important 7,000 level as the new trading week kicks off. “Oil producers, pharmaceuticals and tobacco stocks are powering an advance in the blue-chip index, although a negative performance across markets in mainland Europe may weigh on investor sentiment as the day progresses....
18 January 2019
Ryanair and Sophos“European and Asian markets catch a ride on the same tailwind which lifted US stocks last night, being hopes that the US could ease tariffs on China. That would clearly be good news for commodity producers, explaining why miners and oil stocks are among the biggest risers on the UK market. “The FTSE 100 was up 0.8% on Friday morning with many...
17 January 2019
Whitbread and Associated British Foods“UK markets take a small step back with weakness in consumer-facing stocks dragging down the FTSE 250 and banks, insurers, pharma and tobacco weighing on the FTSE 100. The pound reverses recent strength with falls against the US dollar and the euro on Thursday, while oil prices were also weak. “The scale of declines are only minor across the board...
16 January 2019
Reckitt Benckiser and Pearson“Many people may be surprised that the pound is holding firm and the UK-heavy FTSE 250 index is rising off the back of Theresa May’s Brexit vote defeat. “In essence the market believes we are going to get more time for negotiations, we’re less likely to have a hard, economically-damaging Brexit, or Brexit won’t happen at all. “The EU has already...
15 January 2019
BooHoo and Provident Financial“It is voting day for Theresa’s May Brexit plan which means investors are likely to remain nervous until we get the result. Surprisingly the markets opened in positive fashion with a 0.7% gain in the FTSE 100 and a 0.2% advance in the FTSE 250, the latter thanks to a small gain in the pound against the US dollar and the euro. “Key to the FTSE 100’s...
14 January 2019
JD Sports, PageGroup and Revolution Bars“Natural resources companies are primarily to blame for the FTSE 100 falling 0.5% on Monday. Also contributing to the weakness are telecoms, tobacco and utility stocks. Markets across the rest of Europe are also flashing red, so too much of Asia. The standout performer was Japan’s Nikkei index which rose by nearly 1%. “Ongoing Brexit uncertainty...
11 January 2019
AO World and Flybe/Stobart“There is a positive end to the trading week with the FTSE 100 in touching distance of getting back over the 7,000 line. Oil prices find renewed strength with Brent crude up 0.7% and WTI crude up 1%, giving a lift to big FTSE constituents Royal Dutch Shell and BP. Housebuilders are also on the move with Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Developments among...
10 January 2019
Debenhams and Halfords“A weaker session across major markets in Europe and Asia dampens investors’ spirits including a 0.5% decline in the FTSE 100, a 0.8% drop in Germany’s DAX index, and a 1.3% slump in Japan’s Nikkei 225. “FTSE 100 miner BHP drops 6% as it trades without the right to the latest dividend and it is also caught up in general weakness across the mining...
9 January 2019
Sainsbury’s and Taylor Wimpey“At 6,905 the FTSE 100 is now trading at its highest level since the start of December as the market does its best to climb out of a hole. The blue chip index is up 2.6% year-to-date which sends hope to investors that market weakness seen in the second half of 2018 may not necessarily turn into a sustained downward trend. “Housebuilders, tobacco...
8 January 2019
Morrisons and Greene King“UK domestic stocks were back in fashion on Tuesday with supermarkets, engineers, banks, insurers and utilities all helping to give support to the FTSE 100. The blue chip index was up 0.5% to 6,847 with retailer Next topping the leaderboard. “The rise in UK stocks follows speculation that British and European officials might be discussing the...