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Daily market update: GameStop, Inditex, UK takeovers, Ricardo, TSMC | Wednesday 11 Jun 2025
“The FTSE 100 looks like it might attain the closing high it missed by a whisker yesterday as positive news on trade talks between the US and China boosted sentiment,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould. “Banks, housebuilders and miners did the heavy lifting for the index with the retail sector proving a drag on Wednesday morning after weak sales data yesterday.
Daily market update: interest rate decisions, US chip restriction changes, Next | Thursday 08 May 2025
“Investors are watching history unfold before their eyes,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “The Trump administration has already caused turmoil in the business world with the Liberation Day tariff plan. We’re now entering the next phase as countries do deals with the US, and Trump once again changes the rules as he rips up Joe Biden’s playbook.
Daily market update: auto sector, Nasdaq, Marks & Spencer, Next, H&M | Thursday 27 Mar 2025
“The automotive industry has struck Donald Trump off their Christmas card list after he imposed 25% tariffs on cars and car parts coming into the US from April,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “It has caused shares in auto companies to go into reverse and weighed on financial markets, with Wall Street firmly in the red last night and Europe following suit on Thursday.
Daily market update: Inditex, Legal & General, 4imprint, Porsche | Wednesday 12 Mar 2025
“The winds keep blowing in different directions on tariffs that it is impossible for markets to establish the lay of the land,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “Donald Trump keeps moving the goal post and investors are getting fed up. Metal tariffs are today’s special on the menu and they’ve been a major catalyst for many of America’s trading partners to retaliate with tariffs on other goods.
Daily market update: Persimmon, Boohoo / Debenhams, Domino’s Pizza | Tuesday 11 Mar 2025
“Investors took a moment to catch their breath after dramatic declines on global markets yesterday,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “Wall Street suffered a big hit as investors panicked that Donald Trump’s policies could lead the US into a recession. Asian and European markets were already jittery ahead of Wall Street opening yesterday, so their relative calm on Tuesday bodes well for US markets to follow suit later today.
FTSE 100 lower, challenges in WH Smith’s pursuit to sell high street arm, tech stocks fall on China AI threat, Dr. Martens slips and Ryanair hit by Boeing woes | Monday 27 Jan 2025
“The FTSE 100 was dragged down by the mining sector at the start of the new trading week,” says Russ Mould, AJ Bell Investment Director. “Investors were largely keeping their powder dry ahead of the latest decision on interest rates from the Federal Reserve this week and big US economic releases on GDP, inflation and consumer confidence.
Markets await ‘burden on business’ Budget, BHP ‘moves on’ from Anglo American, GSK gets the shivers, Next beats expectations, Alphabet gets cloud boost and Volkswagen sales plunge | Wednesday 30 Oct 2024
“Get ready for a Budget that’s a burden on business,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “The prospect of a higher rate of employer National Insurance, a rise in the minimum wage and changes to employment rights will all drive up costs. That’s likely to be seen as negative for job creation, wages and consumer prices, and businesses will inevitably pass on extra costs to the customer.
UK rate cut talk lifts housebuilders, banks and supermarkets, FTSE 100 hit by oil price retreat, De La Rue bounces on division sale, Nvidia at new record high and Bellway shares soar on upbeat outlook | Tuesday 15 Oct 2024
“Domestic-focused UK stocks were in the spotlight as the latest economic data strengthens the argument for a drop in the cost of borrowing,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “The Bank of England is carefully engineering a soft landing as the UK economy loses momentum.
Fed ditches laggard reputation with bold rate cut, markets respond favourably, Next upgrades guidance after bumper first half and Ocado Retail shines in third quarter | Saturday 21 Sep 2024
“Central banks have a reputation of moving at a snail’s pace, spending too long analysing data and subsequently playing catch-up with their monetary policy decisions. It feels as if the Federal Reserve has had enough of this criticism and wants to be seen in a different light. A half-percentage point interest rate cut is certainly not messing around and shows it is serious about getting ahead of events and not being behind the curve,” says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
All eyes on UK rate decision, Rolls-Royce to reinstate dividends, Next beats again and Wizz Air dives on profit slump | Thursday 01 Aug 2024
“‘Will they, won’t they?’ discussions have once again become the topic of conversation for investors after the Federal Reserve set the scene for a potential interest rate cut in September and the Bank of England announces its latest decision at lunchtime today,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell.
Markets subdued despite US rate cut optimism, Dyson to slash workforce, Mulberry appoints new CEO, Aston Martin tops FTSE 250 after poaching Ferrari director, Hipgnosis investors accept Blackstone offer and Thames Water running out of time | Tuesday 09 Ju
“Whilst Fed chair Jerome Powell’s comments that the US economy is no longer overheated will be welcome news for investors who are more than ready to hear the starting gun on rate cuts, that fizzy expectation couldn’t lift UK markets today,” says Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell. “News that British appliance manufacturer Dyson is to pare back its UK workforce by a quarter is a significant blow not just to those losing their jobs but also Labour’s push to get the economy growing.
FTSE higher ahead of Fed meeting, GSK beats expectations, Amazon not ready to join dividend club, Domino’s disappoints, Next sees strong first quarter but leaves guidance unchanged and Aston Martin losses double | Wednesday 01 May 2024
“Having broken its run of record closes on Tuesday, the FTSE 100 ticked higher on Wednesday morning despite selling on Wall Street overnight,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould. “It’s decision day on interest rates in the US and while the Federal Reserve is almost certain to stick with the status quo, there will be considerable interest in the accompanying commentary.
Sticky US inflation changes the game as markets reassess rate cuts narrative | Wednesday 10 Apr 2024
“It’s hard for investors to hang onto their sunny disposition when inflation keeps raining off the planned rate cut parade,” says Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell. “The latest US consumer prices data came in hotter than expected at 3.5%, giving plenty for the Atlanta Fed’s sticky index to pore over. That stickiness sent market sentiment tumbling as it casts further doubt on what had been a well charted path to a pivot for the Federal Reserve.
Rate cut optimism boosts UK markets and Apple falls as US files lawsuit | Thursday 21 Mar 2024
“Considering nothing actually changed today, it feels like a lot has happened,” says Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell. “London markets have had a sublime day, with the FTSE 100 closing at a 10-month high as investors grow increasingly optimistic that rate cuts are on the way. “The MPC might have held firm for a fifth meeting in a row but the simple fact that two of the most hawkish members have joined the hold camp has put a spring in investors’ steps.
Markets rally on rate cut hopes, Virgin Money board recommends Nationwide’s takeover offer, Next in optimistic mood as sales and profit rise and dividends back at Direct Line | Thursday 21 Mar 2024
“All it took was the slightest hint of satisfaction by the Fed to make markets rally once again,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “Jerome Powell’s comment that ‘the risks of achieving our inflation goals are coming into better balance’ was enough to give the market confidence that we’ll soon see rate cuts, with three expected this year.
Markets choppy ahead of UK inflation data, Unilever tops FTSE 100, AstraZeneca snaps up Fusion in $2.4 billion deal and Ted Baker staring into high street abyss | Tuesday 19 Mar 2024
“It’s been a choppy day on London markets, with investors hyper aware that they could be in for a bumpy ride over the next couple of days,” says AJ Bell Head of Financial Analysis Danni Hewson. “The consensus is that inflation will have fallen in the next set of figures out tomorrow morning and that the Bank of England will continue its rate freeze.
FTSE 100 higher despite US and Asian losses, BP and Shell advance as oil prices extend recent gains, Fed minutes leave picture on rates unclear, JD Sports warns and Next beats expectations | Thursday 04 Jan 2024
“The FTSE 100 started Thursday on the front foot despite selling in Asia and the US overnight,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould. “There were decent gains for BP and Shell as oil prices extended their recent upwards movement on concerns over Middle Eastern supply. The region remains a tinder box due to the Israel-Gaza war, and disruption to shipping routes through the Red Sea is also a key factor behind the surge in crude.
Markets bounce back, Greencore and YouGov jump on positive updates, retail sector on profit warning alert due to warm weather | Tuesday 10 Oct 2023
“Investors regained their appetite for risk after a troublesome start to the trading week linked to concerns about conflict in the Middle East and how the associated hike in commodity prices could feed through to inflation and interest rates staying higher for longer,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell.
Markets down on prospect of higher rates for longer, Next and JD Sports coping well in a difficult environment | Thursday 21 Sep 2023
“Many investors had hoped the Federal Reserve pausing interest rate hikes would be good for markets. Alas, that hasn’t worked out, with equities weaker after the US central bank paused for breath. The prospect of interest rates staying higher for longer has become the new topic of worry,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell.
UK shares jump on positive inflation data, housebuilders and property firms soar, Dunelm pleases with results | Wednesday 20 Sep 2023
“UK shares enjoyed a strong start to the day after a surprise fall in UK inflation data. The FTSE 250 index jumped 1.3% to 18,667, led by housebuilders, builders’ merchants and property companies,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “Weaker inflation fuels the argument that interest rates no longer need to go up, or at least not by much more.
Global markets decline for second day in a row, investors await UK rate decision and rain does not stop play at Next | Thursday 03 Aug 2023
“Global markets extended yesterday’s declines as investors digested the prospect that US government debt is now considered lower quality following Fitch’s downgrade. The decision by the credit agency to cut the rating led to higher US government bond yields which in turn has a negative impact on equities,” says Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at AJ Bell. “Asian markets were generally weak, while all the major European indices were in the red.
Markets retreat on Fed move, Shell has record quarter, Next’s growth stalls and Trainline turns to Europe | Thursday 04 May 2023
“Investors have been praying for central banks to stop raising interest rates for some time, but the strongest possible hint yet from the Federal Reserve that it will stop increasing the cost of borrowing doesn’t seem enough to put them in a good mood,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “The Fed’s 0.25 percentage point hike last night was widely expected, so that won’t have been the cause of putting markets in a bad mood.
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We have updated our Privacy and Cookie Policy. By clicking "I Agree" below, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy and Cookie Policy and Terms. I Agree Monday 03 April, 2023 Next PLC Director/PDMR Shareholding RNS Number : 2188V Next PLC 03 April 2023 3 April 2023 NEXT plc Notification of Transactions by Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibility and Persons Closely Associated with Them The following notification is made under article 19 of the UK Market Abuse Regulation.
FTSE 100 steady as UBS calls back its old boss, Next slumps on cautious outlook and Alibaba soars on split plan | Wednesday 29 Mar 2023
“The FTSE 100 made a solid start on Wednesday morning, continuing the cautious recovery for markets from the trauma of the collapse of SVB and forced union between Credit Suisse and UBS earlier this month,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould. “Bringing in Sergio Ermotti as CEO – a key figure in UBS’ recovery from the Great Financial Crisis – to oversee the combination between Switzerland’s two biggest banks is a move likely to help salve market wounds.
NatWest outlook disappoints, EnQuest complains of windfall tax impact and Purplebricks up for sale | Friday 17 Feb 2023
“It was only days ago that investors seemed confident we would only get one or two more small increases in US interest rates and then the Federal Reserve might start cutting rates later in the year. The rhetoric has now changed,” says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell. “Two Federal Reserve officials yesterday spoke in favour of a 50 basis-point interest rate hike in March from the US central bank.
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We have updated our Privacy and Cookie Policy. By clicking "I Agree" below, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy and Cookie Policy and Terms. I Agree Monday 03 October, 2022 Next PLC Director/PDMR Shareholding RNS Number : 6241B Next PLC 03 October 2022 3 October 2022 NEXT plc Notification of Transactions by Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibility and Persons Closely Associated with Them The following notification is made under article 19 of the UK Market Abuse Regulation.
WPP and Debenhams | Thursday 25 Oct 2018
“Investors remain nervous about the state of the world, as reflected by yet another red day for markets across most of Europe and Asia. The chief concerns are the potential negative impacts of higher interest rates, weaker global growth and the knock-on effects of trade tariffs. “The FTSE 100 fell 0.7% in early trading on Thursday to 6,912 with pharmaceuticals, insurers and oil companies the biggest contributors to the index’s decline.
Sunshine helps Next but retailer’s online expertise is the real ray of light | Friday 28 Sep 2018
“As many suspected after the May and August trading updates, Next had been doing its best to keep a lid on sales and profit forecasts but boss Lord Wolfson has now officially raised the company’s guidance for the year to January,” says Russ Mould, AJ Bell Investment Director. “As a result, Next now expects to hold pre-tax profits broadly flat in its current financial year, ending a run of two consecutive declines. Source: Company accounts, management’s revised profit guidance on 25 September.
The Self Love Sessions: Confidence and Cabaret
On his ongoing quest to penBrighton-bound songsmith Josh Okeefe put in an emotional performance at Grenfell Tower's Wall of Truth (a public space collating first hand accounts, facts, testimonies and statements created by and for members of the community affected).Sometimes it's good to be challenged, to be mystified by unfolding events, to beby the juxtaposition of what's being revealed.
Sustainability in Action
On his ongoing quest to penBrighton-bound songsmith Josh Okeefe put in an emotional performance at Grenfell Tower's Wall of Truth (a public space collating first hand accounts, facts, testimonies and statements created by and for members of the community affected).Sometimes it's good to be challenged, to be mystified by unfolding events, to beby the juxtaposition of what's being revealed.
FTSE 100 slips, unsettled by Trump’s latest tough talk on trade
U.K. stocks fell on Friday, as investors grew wary after President Donald Trump fired off another salvo in the tit-for-tat trade spat with China. The pullback, which comes on the heels of the best day for London stocks since the Brexit vote, follows a White House announcement that the U.S. is considering another $100 billion in tariffs on Chinese imports. Despite the decline, British blue-chip stocks are still holding around their best level in a month.
FTSE 100 loses ground as retailers drop, with Fed decision in focus
U.K. stocks dropped Wednesday, with investors seen as wary of taking on risky bets before they find out whether the Fed is ushering in another interest-rate hike. Later, a report on the U.K. labor market will be watched for signs of wage growth, after a disappointing inflation reading hurt prospects for a Bank of England rate rise. Retailers were among the worst performers on the London benchmark, after a downbeat view on the U.K. from home improvement chain Kingfisher PLC.
This retailer’s stock has jumped in 2018 but still offers a good deal
Many Americans know British retail brands like Burberry and Harrods, but it’s a less-familiar United Kingdom retailer that has helped cheer up its beleaguered sector in the new year. Next NXT, +0.54% has about 700 stores that sell clothes, shoes, and home furnishings, and runs a growing online unit that reaches roughly 70 countries, including the U.S. The shares, a constituent of the FTSE 100 UKX, +0.20% , might be offering a good deal to investors.
Retailers send European stocks higher after strong Next update
European stocks moved broadly higher on Wednesday, taking inspiration from record closes in the U.S. in the previous session and a strong trading day in Asia. Retailers were among biggest gainers in the region after an upbeat trading update from U.K. fashion and home chain Next PLC. What are markets doing: The Stoxx Europe 600 index SXXP, +0.23% climbed 0.4% to 399.73, rebounding from a 0.2% decline on Tuesday.
FTSE 100 slips, as stronger pound offsets Next rally
U.K. stocks swung between small gains and losses on Wednesday. The major London benchmark was being pulled one way by a rally for the retail sector after an upbeat trading update from Next PLC, and in the other by continuing gains for the pound. What are markets doing: The FTSE 100 index UKX, -0.03% slipped 0.1% to 7,642.50, adding to a 0.5% loss from Tuesday, the first trading session of the year.
FTSE 100 adrift after hitting 6-week high, with IMF to discuss view on U.K. economy
U.K. stocks on Wednesday wavered, with the International Monetary Fund set to offer its assessment of the British economy, but blue chips remained close to a six-week high. London-listed shares were lower alongside other global markets, which were unable to gain much traction after U.S. lawmakers made a major push forward into overhauling the country’s tax code. How markets are moving: The FTSE 100 index UKX, -0.04% was up 1 point at 7,545.46 after dipping into negative territory.
Retailers help drive FTSE 100 toward biggest weekly fall in 2 months
U.K. stocks slipped Friday, with retailers among those losing ground, as the London gauge of blue-chip stocks moved toward its biggest weekly fall in nearly two months. What markets are doing: The FTSE 100 index UKX, -0.25% was down 0.1% at 7,478.83, with utilities, industrials, consumer goods and financial sectors on the decline. But the basic materials, technology, and oil and gas groups were rising. On Thursday, the benchmark fell 0.6%.
Marks and Spencer shares swing lower, keeping FTSE 100 in check
U.K. stocks stepped lower Wednesday, after snapping a win streak in the prior session, as mining shares gained despite a downbeat reading on Chinese trade. Investors once again were wading through a stream of corporate financial updates and earnings reports. Shares in Marks and Spencer Group PLC slid after the major retail chain said it was facing “headwinds” in its food business.
Fall for retailers keeps FTSE 100 in check
U.K. blue-chip stocks edged higher Tuesday, staying near the record high at the close of the prior session. But the market’s gain was held in check by declines for retailers after downbeat industry sales figures. Among individual stocks, security services firm G4S’s shares fell by the most in three months after a trading update. What markets are doing: The FTSE 100 index UKX, -0.04% was down 0.1% at 7,556.45, with industrial, consumer goods and utility shares in the red.
FTSE 100 drives higher despite Next gloom, as commodity stocks spread cheer
U.K. stocks marched higher Wednesday, with commodity shares guiding the way. But Next PLC shares tumbled after the clothing and homeware retailer struck a cautious tone in its quarterly earnings report. Investors were also preparing to get one of the first reads on the health of the British economy in the fourth quarter, ahead of the Bank of England rate decision Thursday.
European stocks leap to 2-year high as commodity shares march up
European stocks jumped to their highest in more than two years Wednesday, with German shares on course for a new record. Commodity shares were among the strongest performers as November trading started. What stock indexes are doing: The Stoxx Europe 600 index SXXP, +0.62% climbed 0.6% to 397.56, in line for its best close since August 2015, according to Factset data. All sectors except for the consumer services group rose, and advancers were led by basic materials and tech shares.
FTSE 100 edges up as Fed decision takes center stage
U.K. stocks edged higher Wednesday as retail shares gained ahead of a monthly sales update, with investors focused on the U.S. Federal Reserve policy decision due later. The FTSE 100 index UKX, +0.02% trudged up 0.1% to 7,282.85, with the consumer services, oil and gas, and financial groups advancing. But consumer goods, basic materials and health care stocks dipped into the red. On Tuesday, the London benchmark rose 0.3%.
FTSE 100 reaches for first gain in 5 sessions as geopolitical tensions ease
U.K. stocks rose Monday, keying off gains in other global equity markets on the prospect of reduced geopolitical tensions surrounding North Korea, while shares of BAE Systems PLC topped the FTSE 100 on deal news. The FTSE 100 index UKX, +0.34% was up 0.4% to 7,241.08. The industrial and oil and gas groups were rising the most, but the basic materials group edged into the red.
U.K. stocks rise for 2nd straight day ahead of key inflation data
London-listed stocks rose for a second straight session on Tuesday, as fears of a nuclear war between the U.S. and North Korea continued to recede and as investors looked ahead to a closely watched U.K. inflation report. The FTSE 100 index UKX, +0.17% climbed 0.2% to 7,369.16, adding to a 0.6% advance from Monday.
European stocks cheer North Korea’s pullback on missile threat
European stocks continued to rise on Tuesday, with investors encouraged by North Korea’s decision not to follow through with its threat to attack U.S. island territory Guam following a war of words between the two nations. The Stoxx Europe 600 index SXXP, +0.04% advanced 0.3% to 377.41, adding to a 1.1% jump from Monday. The positive trading mood has been spurred by receding fears that the U.S. and North Korea are heading toward a nuclear war.
FTSE 100 listless as investors wait for Carney’s ‘Super Thursday’ comments
U.K. stocks slipped Thursday, with investors focusing on monetary policy and inflation updates from the Bank of England, as shares of Next PLC rallied on the back of its earnings report. The FTSE 100 UKX, -0.09% shed 0.1% to 7,405.15, with oil and gas shares and the basic materials group among decliners. But consumer-related, industrial and financial stocks advanced. The London benchmark closed 0.1% lower on Wednesday.
European stocks wrestled lower, with Siemens shares down
European equities pulled lower Thursday, with German industrial heavyweight Siemens AG among the market’s decliners, but stock in Italian lender UniCredit SpA was a bright spot in the struggling banking group. The Stoxx Europe 600 SXXP, -0.07% was off 0.3% to 377.58. No sector traded higher, and oil and gas and telecom shares were putting in the worst performance. More earnings reports rolled in Thursday. Among notable movers, shares of Finnish oil refiner Neste Corp.
FTSE 100 edges up, reaches for a weekly win
U.K. stocks notched small gains on Friday, putting Britain’s blue-chip benchmark on track for its best week in more than two months, even as stock markets across Europe broadly fell. Vodafone PLC was a standout as shares of the mobile telecoms company drove higher, but oil majors lost ground ahead of a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The FTSE 100 index UKX, +0.19% was up 0.1% at 7,493.78, with consumer-related and health care shares rising.
FTSE 100 steers lower as M&S, Pearson fall
Blue-chip stocks in the U.K. struggled Tuesday, with Marks & Spencer Group PLC shares driven lower after the department-store operator issued a trading update, while Pearson PLC shares lost grip of gains in the wake of a $1 billion stake-selling deal. The FTSE 100 index UKX, -0.49% was down 0.5% at 7,334.33, led by down by consumer goods and heath care shares. But basic material, utility and financial stocks moved higher. The index on Monday rose 0.3%, a second straight winning session.
FTSE 100 falls as profit warning puts retailers under pressure
U.K. stocks pulled lower Tuesday, as a profit warning from a British department store Debenhams PLC dragged down shares of blue-chip retailers. The FTSE 100 UKX, -0.31% fell 0.3% to 7,423.32, with only the basic materials sector printing gains. A loss Tuesday would be the London benchmark’s fifth in six sessions. In focus for investors are comments from central bankers.
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