ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Market News

  • FTSE 100 Opens Higher Ahead of Bank of England Interest Rate Decision

    FTSE 100 Opens Higher Ahead of Bank of England Interest Rate Decision

    UK equities traded modestly higher on Thursday as investors looked ahead to the Bank of England’s latest monetary policy announcement, while digesting a hawkish pause from the U.S. Federal Reserve and weaker overnight performance on Wall Street.

    As of 07:31 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.17%. Germany’s DAX declined 0.42%, while France’s CAC 40 rose 0.62%. Sterling slipped 0.05% against the U.S. dollar to 1.3340.

    Middle East Tensions Escalate

    Geopolitical concerns returned to the forefront after reports that the United States resumed air strikes against Iran, ending a brief pause in military operations. According to Axios, a senior U.S. official confirmed the renewed strikes.

    CENTCOM said it had carried out a “heavy wave of strikes” targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities, including command centres, missile and drone installations, and coastal defence positions. The military said the operation followed an Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting a U.S. base in Jordan, adding that all incoming missiles were intercepted.

    Separately, Iran’s IRGC navy claimed it had “targeted and stopped” three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Tasnim. Meanwhile, a drone strike hit the U.S.-owned LNG storage vessel Energos Winter at Egypt’s Damietta port. Egypt’s petroleum ministry confirmed a fire but reported no casualties.

    U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would strike Tehran “very hard,” telling reporters “they know it’s coming.” Trump also said he would be “quite disappointed” if China supplied weapons to Iran, adding that President Xi Jinping had assured him this would not happen.

    Markets Assess Fed Decision, Await BoE

    The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75% on Wednesday, although three regional Fed presidents voted in favour of an immediate 25-basis-point increase, making it one of the closest policy decisions in recent years.

    ING analysts James Knightley and Chris Turner described it as “the closest Fed decision for a number of years,” while noting Chair Kevin Warsh’s comments that policymakers had the “good family fight” he wanted before deciding by a “large majority” to leave rates unchanged. Warsh also said the central bank “will not hesitate to act” if inflation remains elevated.

    ING continues to expect the Fed to leave rates unchanged through 2027 rather than deliver the September rate increase currently priced into markets, citing softer labour market conditions, easing housing inflation and tariff refunds supporting corporate profitability.

    Attention now turns to the Bank of England, where policymakers are widely expected to leave UK interest rates unchanged later today.

    Oil Prices Advance

    Oil prices moved higher amid renewed geopolitical uncertainty. Brent crude gained 0.86% to $88.85 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 1.02% to $85.31.

    Gold futures edged up 0.14% to $4,041.80 per ounce, although spot gold eased 0.54% to $4,044.41.

    UK Corporate Highlights

    Lloyds Banking Group (LSE:LLOY) reported first-half profit ahead of expectations and introduced its new Accelerate 2030 strategy, targeting a return on tangible equity of around 20% by the end of the decade through growth in retail banking and greater use of artificial intelligence.

    Shell (LSE:SHEL) posted second-quarter adjusted earnings that more than doubled compared with a year earlier, beating market forecasts as stronger oil and gas prices, robust LNG trading and improved chemicals margins offset lower sales volumes from Qatar.

    Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR.) increased its full-year profit guidance after first-half operating profit jumped 46%, supported by continued strength in civil aerospace aftermarket services, defence contracts and demand from data centre customers.

    BAE Systems (LSE:BA.) also upgraded its 2026 outlook after reporting stronger-than-expected first-half earnings, citing sustained global defence spending and healthy demand across its portfolio.

    Anglo American (LSE:AAL) more than halved its first-half loss, increased its dividend and said its proposed $53 billion merger with Teck Resources remains subject to regulatory approval in China.

    London Stock Exchange Group (LSE:LSEG) raised its margin outlook for 2026 and increased the lower end of its revenue guidance after first-half results exceeded expectations, helped by elevated market volatility and stronger trading activity.

  • BAE Systems Raises 2026 Guidance Following Strong First-Half Performance

    BAE Systems Raises 2026 Guidance Following Strong First-Half Performance

    BAE Systems Plc (LSE:BA.) upgraded its full-year guidance for sales, underlying EBIT and underlying earnings per share after reporting first-half 2026 results that exceeded analyst expectations. The defence group also increased its free cash flow outlook following strong operational performance across its business.

    The company delivered first-half sales of £15.77 billion on a constant-currency basis, up 9% from a year earlier and ahead of the analyst consensus estimate of £15.61 billion. The result was close to the upper end of the forecast range of £15.41 billion to £15.79 billion.

    Earnings and Cash Flow Beat Market Expectations

    Underlying EBIT increased 11% to £1.70 billion, exceeding the analyst average forecast of £1.66 billion and nearing the top end of the expected range. The improvement lifted the group’s return on sales to 10.8%, compared with 10.6% in the first half of 2025.

    Underlying earnings per share rose 13% to 38.9 pence, outperforming the analyst consensus estimate of 37.3 pence and finishing just below the highest forecast within the expected range.

    One of the strongest highlights of the period was free cash flow. BAE Systems generated a free cash inflow of £1.79 billion during the first half, significantly outperforming analyst expectations for a £38 million outflow. The result was driven by strong customer advance payments and marked a sharp improvement from the £368 million outflow recorded in the same period last year.

    Higher Guidance Reflects Strong Momentum

    Following the stronger-than-expected first-half performance, BAE Systems raised its guidance for full-year sales, underlying EBIT and underlying earnings per share.

    The company also increased its forecast for full-year free cash flow to more than £2 billion and lifted its cumulative free cash flow target for the 2024–2026 period to more than £6.7 billion.

    Management said the upgraded outlook reflects continued operational strength across the business and confidence in the group’s execution.

    Order Book Reaches Record Level

    Order intake totalled £16.4 billion during the first half, leaving BAE Systems with a record order backlog. The increase was supported by a £2.5 billion contract covering training, support equipment and services for Türkiye’s recently ordered Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

    “Across the business, our outstanding teams have delivered another strong period of operational and financial performance, which gives us the confidence to upgrade our full year guidance,” chief executive Charles Woodburn said in a stateent.

    The company ended June with cash of £4.20 billion and net debt, excluding lease liabilities, of £3.17 billion. During the first half, BAE Systems returned £933 million to shareholders through dividends, compared with £849 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

    The board declared an interim dividend of 15.0 pence per share, payable on December 2 to shareholders on the register as of October 23.

    Under IFRS reporting standards, revenue increased 8% to £14.62 billion, operating profit rose 13% to £1.50 billion and basic earnings per share climbed 6% to 34.1 pence.

  • Rolls-Royce Beats First-Half Forecasts and Upgrades Full-Year Profit Outlook

    Rolls-Royce Beats First-Half Forecasts and Upgrades Full-Year Profit Outlook

    Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR.) reported first-half 2026 results ahead of market expectations on Thursday and increased its full-year profit guidance after strong performances across its Civil Aerospace, Defence and Power Systems businesses.

    The engineering group generated underlying operating profit of £2.53 billion for the six months ended June 30, exceeding the S&P Global Visible Alpha consensus forecast of £2.37 billion. Underlying revenue also surpassed expectations, rising to £11.28 billion compared with analyst estimates of £11 billion.

    Broad-Based Growth Drives Higher Profitability

    The stronger performance was supported by continued demand for aftermarket services in the Civil Aerospace division, improved profitability in Defence and ongoing expansion within the Power Systems business, particularly in the fast-growing data centre market.

    As a result, Rolls-Royce increased its underlying operating margin to 22.5%, up from 19.1% in the same period last year, with all three operating divisions contributing to the improvement.

    Company Raises 2026 Guidance

    Following the better-than-expected first-half performance, Rolls-Royce lifted its full-year outlook. The company now expects underlying operating profit to be between £4.7 billion and £4.9 billion, compared with its previous guidance of £4.0 billion to £4.2 billion.

    Management said the improved outlook reflects stronger long-term service agreement margins in Civil Aerospace, continued earnings growth in the Power Systems division and better aftermarket performance within its Defence business.

    Transformation Strategy Continues to Deliver

    Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the company’s transformation programme continues to create “a very different company,” highlighting stronger operational execution across the group and new growth opportunities in defence, data centres and small modular reactors.

    Rolls-Royce also announced an interim dividend of 6 pence per share, an increase from the 4.5 pence per share paid during the same period last year.

  • Elementis Delivers Strong First-Half Performance with Results Ahead of Expectations

    Elementis Delivers Strong First-Half Performance with Results Ahead of Expectations

    Elementis PLC (LSE:ELM) reported first-half 2026 results that exceeded market forecasts, with higher revenue, profit and earnings per share supported by continued momentum across both its Personal Care and Coatings businesses.

    Revenue increased to $318.2 million during the period, representing organic growth of 4.7% at constant currency compared with the same period last year. The result was above both the Jefferies forecast of $317.8 million and the broader market consensus of $314.4 million, while also marking an improvement from the 2% organic growth recorded in the first quarter.

    Earnings Outperform Analyst Forecasts

    Adjusted EBIT reached $73.2 million, comfortably exceeding both Jefferies’ estimate and the consensus forecast of $70.6 million. Diluted adjusted earnings per share also came in ahead of expectations at 8.5 cents, compared with the Jefferies estimate of 7.8 cents.

    The company said the stronger performance reflected improving demand across its core markets and continued operational execution.

    Coatings and Personal Care Drive Growth

    Elementis’ Personal Care division generated revenue of $109.2 million, delivering organic growth of 2.9% year over year. Adjusted EBITA for the segment rose to $41.6 million, while the operating margin improved by 30 basis points to 38.1%.

    The Coatings business delivered an even stronger performance, with revenue increasing organically by 5.6% to $209.0 million. Adjusted EBITA climbed to $43.2 million, and the division’s margin expanded by 250 basis points to 20.7%.

    Outlook Remains Positive

    Elementis ended the first half with net debt, excluding pensions and lease liabilities, of $163.8 million, equivalent to a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.1 times.

    Looking ahead, the company expects full-year 2026 adjusted EBITA to be in line with current market expectations of $135.2 million. Management said a strong third-quarter order book provides confidence in the outlook, although it continues to monitor the potential impact of the Middle East crisis on global demand, raw material costs and supply chain conditions.

  • Mondi Beats Second-Quarter Earnings Forecasts and Lowers Capital Spending Outlook

    Mondi Beats Second-Quarter Earnings Forecasts and Lowers Capital Spending Outlook

    Mondi plc (LSE:MNDI) reported second-quarter EBITDA ahead of market expectations on Thursday and lowered its capital expenditure guidance for the year, while highlighting improving trading conditions during the first half of 2026.

    The packaging and paper group generated EBITDA of €167 million in the second quarter, including a negative €43 million fair value adjustment related to its forestry assets. The result was above the Bloomberg consensus forecast of €160 million.

    Capital Expenditure Guidance Reduced

    Mondi revised its maintenance spending outlook lower, reducing expected expenditure for the year to €80 million from its previous guidance of €100 million. After investing €20 million during the first half, the company expects to spend the remaining €60 million in the second half of 2026.

    The group also cut its capital expenditure guidance to between €500 million and €550 million, compared with previous expectations of around €550 million.

    Meanwhile, finance cost guidance was left unchanged at €125 million, while depreciation and amortization guidance was lowered to €475 million from the previous range of €515 million to €525 million.

    Pricing Actions Support Improving Trading Conditions

    Mondi said business performance strengthened throughout the first half of the year as pricing initiatives helped offset rising input costs, particularly higher wood prices in Central Europe and increased energy expenses.

    The company expects the full earnings benefit from recent price increases in corrugated packaging and industrial bags to be realized during the second half of 2026 due to the normal delay between price implementation and financial impact. Additional pricing measures are also planned for September.

    Impairments Weigh on Results

    During the period, Mondi recognized total impairments of €296 million.

    The largest charge was a €206 million impairment related to its new Duino mill in Italy, which has annual production capacity of 420,000 tonnes and is currently increasing output. The company invested €240 million in capital expenditure and acquisition costs for the project.

    A further €39 million impairment was recorded against Mondi’s office paper mill in Austria.

    Germany remains one of Mondi’s largest markets, accounting for approximately 18% of group sales, while between 15% and 18% of revenue is generated from customers in the building and construction sector.

  • Drax Reaffirms 2026 Earnings Guidance and Raises Medium-Term EBITDA Target

    Drax Reaffirms 2026 Earnings Guidance and Raises Medium-Term EBITDA Target

    Drax PLC (LSE:DRX) maintained its full-year 2026 earnings outlook after reporting first-half adjusted EBITDA of £279 million. The result was down 39% from the same period last year and came in slightly below analyst expectations of £289 million, primarily due to weaker-than-expected performance from its Biomass Generation business.

    The Biomass Generation division reported adjusted EBITDA below market forecasts, while the company’s Pellet Production operations performed in line with expectations during the period.

    Pellet Production Meets Expectations

    Drax produced 1.9 million tonnes of wood pellets during the first half of 2026, with Pellet Production delivering earnings broadly in line with analyst forecasts.

    The company said first-half performance leaves it on track to achieve full-year adjusted EBITDA consistent with current market expectations. Drax continues to expect 2026 adjusted EBITDA of around £665 million, within the analyst consensus range of £643 million to £681 million.

    New 2029 Growth Targets Announced

    Alongside its interim results, Drax introduced an upgraded medium-term earnings target, forecasting adjusted EBITDA of between £650 million and £800 million by 2029.

    The new target excludes any potential contribution from the proposed BSIF acquisition and represents an increase from the company’s previous guidance of £600 million to £700 million. The revised outlook incorporates expected earnings from its expanding Batteries and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) operations.

    Management expects the Batteries/BESS business to contribute between £50 million and £100 million of EBITDA by 2029. Current analyst forecasts estimate approximately £627 million of EBITDA for 2029 on a like-for-like basis, including around £50 million from the BESS division.

    Strong Balance Sheet Supports Growth Plans

    Drax ended the first half with net debt equivalent to 1.3 times EBITDA, reflecting a relatively conservative leverage position. The company also reported available liquidity of £630 million through cash reserves and committed credit facilities, providing financial flexibility to support future investment and strategic growth initiatives.

  • Rentokil Shares Slide as Weak U.S. Pest Control Demand Overshadows Earnings Beat

    Rentokil Shares Slide as Weak U.S. Pest Control Demand Overshadows Earnings Beat

    Rentokil Initial PLC (LSE:RTO) shares fell almost 17% on Thursday after the pest control specialist warned of softer demand in its North American residential business, overshadowing second-quarter earnings and revenue that came in ahead of market expectations.

    By late morning in London, the stock was down 17.1% at 367.5 pence, making it one of the weakest performers on the FTSE 100 and marking its lowest level since September 29, 2025.

    Second-Quarter Results Exceed Expectations

    Rentokil reported adjusted profit before tax of $459 million for the second quarter, comfortably ahead of the S&P Global Visible Alpha consensus forecast of $442.7 million. Revenue increased 6.7% year over year to $3.59 billion, also surpassing analyst expectations of $3.56 billion.

    The stronger earnings performance was supported by improved margins across the pest control business, particularly in North America, where profitability increased despite slower sales growth.

    Slowing U.S. Residential Demand Raises Concerns

    Despite the earnings beat, investors focused on signs of weakening demand in Rentokil’s largest market. Organic growth in the North American pest control business slowed to 2.4% during the second quarter, down from 2.8% in the first quarter.

    Management also warned of “some weakness in North America residential lead flow towards the end of Q2 and into July.”

    The comments mirrored recent caution from U.S. competitor Rollins and prompted concerns that growth could weaken further during the second half of the year.

    Full-Year Guidance Maintained

    Despite softer residential demand in North America, Rentokil reaffirmed its expectation that full-year results will be in line with current market forecasts, indicating that stronger performance in other parts of the business should help offset weakness in the U.S. residential segment.

    Current market expectations point to full-year revenue of approximately $7.3 billion, adjusted profit before tax of $972 million and an adjusted EBITA margin of 16.3%.

    Analysts at Jefferies described the quarterly results as encouraging but said investors are likely to remain focused on the outlook for U.S. pest control demand, which could continue to weigh on sentiment even after the stronger-than-expected earnings performance.

  • Magnum Ice Cream Beats First-Half Earnings Expectations as Efficiency Measures Deliver

    Magnum Ice Cream Beats First-Half Earnings Expectations as Efficiency Measures Deliver

    Magnum Ice Cream (LSE:MICC) reported stronger-than-expected first-half core earnings on Thursday, supported by ongoing cost-saving initiatives introduced following its separation from Unilever in December. The company also said momentum has continued into the crucial summer trading period.

    Second-quarter 2026 sales of Ben & Jerry’s increased 9.2%, outperforming the wider North American ice cream market while continuing to gain market share, according to the company.

    “Our key summer selling season got off to a strong start,” CEO Peter ter Kulve said in a press release. “We grew and gained share in all regions, including the U.S., our biggest market.”

    Summer Trading and Cost Savings Support Performance

    Magnum said its first-half earnings benefited from lower supply chain costs and savings generated through its corporate transformation programme, helping improve profitability following the spin-off.

    The company’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to €880 million ($1.0 billion), compared with €853 million in the same period last year. The result exceeded the analyst consensus forecast of €843 million compiled by the company.

    Spin-Off Performance Remains Under Scrutiny

    Since its Amsterdam listing, Magnum Ice Cream has attracted investor attention as the first major test of its ability to accelerate growth as an independent business. The company is seeking to strengthen sales of brands including Magnum, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s while navigating changing consumer preferences.

    The business also faces a shifting market environment as the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs influences eating habits, while the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign continues to shape the consumer health debate in the United States.

  • Anglesey Mining plc Strengthens Foundations for Growth as Parys Mountain Strategy Gains Momentum

    Anglesey Mining plc Strengthens Foundations for Growth as Parys Mountain Strategy Gains Momentum

    Anglesey Mining plc (LSE:AYM) is entering a new chapter with renewed momentum, combining a strengthened leadership team, an improved balance sheet and enhanced technical expertise as it focuses on unlocking the full potential of its flagship Parys Mountain project in North Wales.

    Speaking during a recent Watch List interview, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Fulton outlined a clear strategy centred on advancing one of the UK’s most significant undeveloped polymetallic projects while positioning the company to benefit from growing demand for critical minerals.

    A key milestone in that strategy is the appointment of James McFarlane as Principal Geologist. Bringing more than two decades of exploration experience and specialist expertise in volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits, McFarlane strengthens the company’s technical capabilities at an important stage in the project’s development.

    Fulton highlighted that McFarlane’s appointment is about more than adding geological expertise.

    “Good geology creates good investments,” Fulton explained, adding that McFarlane’s experience will help transform the project’s geological potential into long-term shareholder value.

    The appointment complements a broader strengthening of the company’s leadership, with expertise spanning geology, engineering, mine development and project finance. Together, the team is focused on moving Parys Mountain through its next phase of development.

    Stronger Financial Position

    Alongside the expanded technical team, Anglesey Mining has completed a significant financial reset by eliminating approximately £4 million of debt.

    A cleaner balance sheet provides greater flexibility as the company focuses its resources on advancing Parys Mountain, giving management a stronger platform from which to execute its development strategy.

    The combination of refreshed leadership, technical expertise and improved financial strength represents an important turning point for the business.

    A Strategic UK Critical Minerals Asset

    Fulton described Parys Mountain as one of the most compelling mining development opportunities he has encountered during his career.

    The project hosts a substantial polymetallic VMS resource containing:

    • Copper
    • Zinc
    • Lead
    • Silver
    • Gold

    Located on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, the project benefits from excellent infrastructure, a long mining history and an established knowledge base, characteristics that can help support future development.

    Its location also aligns with increasing government focus on domestic supplies of strategically important critical minerals, making Parys Mountain well positioned within the UK’s evolving industrial and resource security strategy.

    Clear Development Priorities

    Looking ahead, Fulton outlined three core priorities for the company:

    • Advance the development of the Parys Mountain mine.
    • Continue growing the existing mineral resource across the company’s 100%-owned freehold property.
    • Expand exploration across the wider district to unlock additional geological upside.

    Management believes there remains considerable opportunity to further enhance the scale and value of the project through ongoing exploration and technical work.

    Building Value Through Execution

    Investors can expect to see continued progress across geological studies, engineering work and permitting activities, all designed to reduce development risk while steadily increasing project value.

    Each milestone is intended to move Parys Mountain closer to becoming what management believes could be one of the UK’s next strategically important underground polymetallic mines.

    A Company Entering Its Next Phase

    Following a period of transformation, Anglesey Mining plc appears to have established a solid foundation for future growth. With debt significantly reduced, an experienced leadership team in place and specialist geological expertise added to the business, the company is now focused on executing the next stage of development at Parys Mountain.

    As demand for secure, responsibly sourced critical minerals continues to grow, Anglesey Mining is working to position Parys Mountain as an important future contributor to the UK’s domestic mining sector, with management committed to steadily advancing the project toward production.

    For more information visit – https://www.angleseymining.co.uk/

  • Lloyds Banking Group Reports Strong First-Half Results and Launches Accelerate 2030 Strategy

    Lloyds Banking Group Reports Strong First-Half Results and Launches Accelerate 2030 Strategy

    Lloyds Banking Group (LSE:LLOY) delivered a strong set of first-half 2026 results, with statutory profit before tax rising to £4.3 billion and return on tangible equity reaching 17.1%. The bank also reported solid credit quality as higher income and disciplined cost control supported earnings growth.

    Net interest income increased 9% to £7.3 billion, while other income rose 11% to £3.3 billion. Operating costs remained broadly unchanged during the period, allowing the group to improve operating leverage despite higher depreciation expenses related to operating leases.

    Capital Strength Supports Higher Shareholder Returns

    Lloyds continued to grow both lending and customer deposits during the first half, while capital generation reached 108 basis points. On a pro forma basis, the bank’s CET1 capital ratio stood at 13.1%, providing a strong foundation for future growth and shareholder distributions.

    Reflecting its robust capital position, the board announced a higher interim dividend and additional share buyback plans. Management also reaffirmed its financial guidance for 2026, expressing confidence in the group’s ability to continue delivering sustainable earnings.

    Accelerate 2030 Sets Long-Term Growth Ambitions

    Alongside its interim results, Lloyds unveiled its new Accelerate 2030 strategy, outlining financial and operational targets for the 2027 to 2030 period. The plan focuses on delivering higher income growth, improving cost efficiency, maintaining strong asset quality and generating sustainable capital over the long term.

    Management believes continued investment in digital capabilities, artificial intelligence and customer experience will help strengthen the group’s competitive position while supporting productivity improvements across the business.

    Investment Outlook

    Lloyds enters the second half of the year with strong earnings momentum, a healthy capital position and a clear strategy for long-term growth. Continued shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks also enhance the investment case. However, investors remain mindful of higher leverage and negative free cash flow reported over the past two years. While technical indicators remain positive, some measures suggest the shares may be approaching overbought levels, potentially limiting short-term upside despite the bank’s attractive valuation and dividend yield.

    About Lloyds Banking Group

    Lloyds Banking Group plc (LSE:LLOY) is the UK’s largest financial services provider, offering retail and commercial banking, insurance, pensions and investment services. The group serves millions of customers through a broad national network while continuing to expand its digital banking capabilities and technology infrastructure.

    Following the completion of its 2022–2026 transformation programme, Lloyds is now implementing its Accelerate 2030 strategy, which aims to enhance customer experience, increase connectivity across its businesses and improve operational efficiency through greater use of digital technology and artificial intelligence. The group remains focused on delivering sustainable growth, disciplined capital management and long-term value for shareholders.