On Monday afternoon, British equities softened following an initial boost fueled by the weekend’s U.S.-EU trade agreement, while wider European markets maintained their upward momentum.
By 11:55 GMT, the FTSE 100 index had slipped 0.2%, with the British pound easing 0.1% against the U.S. dollar, trading near 1.34. In continental Europe, Germany’s DAX hovered near unchanged levels, and France’s CAC 40 rose modestly by 0.3%.
Details of the U.S.-EU trade agreement
Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen finalized a trade framework that introduces a 15% import tariff on most European goods entering the U.S. In exchange, the EU committed to investing $600 billion in the American economy.
This agreement, reached during talks in Scotland, represents a compromise following the EU’s initial hopes for zero tariffs. The agreed 15% levy is notably lower than the 30% tariff threat previously floated.
Cranswick delivers robust Q1 results
Cranswick PLC (LSE:CWK), the UK-based food producer, posted a strong start to the year, with like-for-like revenues climbing 7.9%, driven by solid demand for its premium meat lines and recent contract wins.
The company’s total revenue rose 9.7% during the quarter, surpassing its fiscal 2026 guidance of 7%. Growth was further supported by acquisitions such as sausage manufacturer Blakemans, which was integrated earlier this year.
Computacenter lifts profit outlook, shares gain
Shares of Computacenter (LSE:CCC) advanced after the IT services firm upgraded its full-year profit forecast. The company cited unexpectedly robust growth in North America and the UK markets, even as it faces challenges in Germany and France.
Computacenter now anticipates its adjusted EBIT for 2025 to exceed the previous year’s results.
STV Group shares tumble following profit warning
Conversely, STV Group plc (LSE:STVG) shares tumbled more than 23% after the media company issued a profit warning. STV warned that its 2025 revenue and earnings would fall “materially below consensus” due to a weakening advertising and commissioning environment.
The company now forecasts full-year revenue between £165 million and £180 million, with an adjusted operating margin near 7%.
Tasty shares soar as ex-PizzaExpress CEO considered for board role
Meanwhile, Tasty Plc (LSE:TAST) stock jumped over 54% after confirming ongoing advanced talks with former PizzaExpress CEO David Page about a potential board appointment. The casual dining operator issued the statement amid recent share price volatility and media speculation.
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