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| Yesterday’s UK 100 Leaders | Price (p) | % Chg |
| Imperial Brands PLC | 2,476.0 | 3.1% |
| BT Group PLC | 148.9 | 2.9% |
| DCC PLC | 5,750.0 | 2.8% |
| British Land Company PLC | 383.2 | 2.6% |
| Airtel Africa PLC | 97.8 | 1.9% |
| Yesterday’s UK 100 Laggards | Price (p) | % Chg |
| Diploma PLC | 4174.0 | -8.0% |
| Melrose Industries PLC | 510.6 | -3.0% |
| International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. | 237.7 | -2.8% |
| Barclays PLC | 254.9 | -2.3% |
| Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC | 527.8 | -2.1% |
| Major World Indices | Price | % Chg | 1 Year |
| UK 100 INDEX | 8,099 | -0.1% | 7.9% |
| DOW JONES INDUS. AVG | 43,344 | -0.1% | 23.8% |
| DAX INDEX | 19,060 | -0.7% | 19.7% |
| NIKKEI 225 | 38,414 | 0.5% | 14.4% |
| S&P/ASX 200 INDEX | 8,374 | 0.9% | 18.6% |
| Commodities | Units | Price | % Chg |
| WTI Crude Oil (Nymex) | USD/bbl. | 69.02 | -0.20% |
| Brent Crude (ICE) | USD/bbl. | 73.10 | -0.27% |
| Gold Spot | USD/t oz. | 2,629 | 0.7% |
| Copper (Comex) | USd/lb. | 419 | 0.5% |
Click graph to enlarge
The UK 100 called to open -5 points at 8,094. The UK 100 looks set to open marginally lower this morning, following a recovery from the UK’s Bluechip index yesterday after an early fall.
Data out this morning showed The annual rate of inflation rose to 2.3% in October, figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The reading compares with the 1.7% recorded the previous month and is higher than City forecasts for a figure of 2.2%. Meanwhile, retail sales figures published by the ONS have revealed 0.5% month-on-month growth in volumes during October.
Stateside yesterday saw a mixed trading session with a big swing during the session, early in the session the mounting geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia had seen a sharp sell off, before traders seemed to somewhat shrug this off as the trading session went on. The tech-heavy Nasdaq was the biggest riser, gaining 1.04% to finish at 18,987.47, while the broad market S&P gained 0.4% to end at 5,916.98. The Dow Jones dipped 120.66 points, or 0.28%, to settle at 43,268.94, having been down 550 points in early trading.
British Land reported a marginal rise in half-year profit on Wednesday, as operational strength at its retail parks properties countered valuation weakness in its office-focused campuses. They announced a successful capital deployment strategy, focusing heavily on retail parks, which now make up 32% of their portfolio, leading to robust rental growth. Despite geopolitical challenges, the company has maintained strong financial performance with a 1% increase in underlying profit and earnings per share. Their focus on super prime space development and high occupancy rates in key sectors underpins their confident outlook for continued rental growth.
Crest Nicholson Holdings reported its FY24 performance aligned with expectations, despite challenges from affordability issues affecting private sales. The company is focusing on enhancing cash management, which led to better-than-expected net debt levels, and is preparing for a strategic transition in FY25 to boost value over volume. An improved economic landscape and government support are anticipated to benefit the housebuilder moving forward.
Sage Group reported a better-than-expected 21% rise in full-year operating profit to £529 million ($672 million) driven by a 220 basis points margin increase, and said it expected continued margin progress this year. Sage also announced a significant share buyback program worth up to £400 million, reflecting the company’s strong cash reserves and positive future outlook. Scheduled to run until June 2025, this move underscores Sage’s commitment to its growth strategy and shareholder value. Independent brokers J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley will oversee the program, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Severn Trent reported strong financial results for the first half of 2024, marking its highest year of capital investment and achieving significant growth in Regulatory Capital Value. The company said it is well-positioned for AMP8, with plans for substantial investments in sustainability and infrastructure, including a commitment to net zero emissions by 2030. These developments have resulted in increased earnings per share and a robust financial outlook.
AstraZeneca Upgraded to Neutral from Sell by UBS (16 Buy/ 3 Hold/ 0 Sell)
EasyJet Downgraded to Hold by HSBC (16 Buy/ 5 Hold/ 0 Sell)
United Utilities Upgraded to Buy from Hold by Deutsche Bank (8 Buy/ 3 Hold/ 2 Sell)
UK
British Land Co
HICL Infrastructure
Mitchells & Butlers*
Molton Ventures*
Ninety One
Rotork
Sage Group
Severn Trent
Softcat*
Britvic
Crest Nicholson
US
NIO
NVIDIA
Palo Alto Networks
Snowflake
UK
Breedon Group
Close Brothers Group
Grainger
Halma
Investec*
Ithaca Energy
JD Sports Fashion
Mitie Group
US
Baidu
Deere & Co
Intuit
PBoC Interest Rate Decision
German Producer Price Index
UK Consumer Price Index
UK Producer Price Index
UK Retail Price Index
BoE’s Ramsden speech
UK 100 companies going ex-dividend on 21st November 2024:
National Grid
Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust
Vodafone Group
DCC
UK 250 companies going ex-dividend on 21st November 2024:
Volution Group
BlackRock Greater Europe Inv Trust
Tate & Lyle
Urban Logistics REIT
RS Group
Empiric Student Property
Kainos Group
3i Infrastructure
Temple Bar Investment Trust
HICL Infrastructure
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