ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Top Story

  • European shares slide as trade concerns weigh on sentiment: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European shares slide as trade concerns weigh on sentiment: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets traded mostly lower on Wednesday, as persistent trade-related uncertainty linked to Greenland kept investors cautious.

    On the macro front, U.K. inflation surprised to the upside in December. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed consumer prices rose 3.4% year on year, up from 3.2% in November and above expectations for a 3.3% reading.

    Equity benchmarks reflected the risk-off mood. Germany’s DAX fell around 1.4%, France’s CAC 40 was down 0.6%, while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.1%.

    At the stock level, Webuild Group (BIT:WBD) shares advanced after its U.S. subsidiary, together with joint venture partner Superior Construction, signed contracts worth $643 million for the Westshore Interchange project in Florida.

    Shares in Barry Callebaut (BIT:1BARN) rallied after the cocoa and chocolate group named former Unilever chief executive Schumacher as its new CEO.

    Asset manager Aberdeen Group (LSE:ABDN) also moved higher, despite reporting net outflows of £3.9 billion ($5.24 billion) in 2025, which it attributed to ongoing budget uncertainty.

    Luxury stocks were mixed but Burberry Group (LSE:BRBY) surged after the company said retail like-for-like sales rose 3% in the third quarter, beating market expectations.

    JD Sports Fashion (LSE:JD.) also posted solid gains following the release of mixed but resilient Christmas trading figures.

    On the downside, shares of Experian (LSE:EXPN) dropped sharply after the credit data and analytics group left its full-year outlook unchanged, disappointing some investors looking for an upgrade.

  • European markets trade mixed as investors brace for Trump’s Davos appearance: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European markets trade mixed as investors brace for Trump’s Davos appearance: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities showed a mixed performance on Wednesday, with investors adopting a cautious stance ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum later in the day.

    By 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX was down 0.3%, France’s CAC 40 was broadly flat, while the UK’s FTSE 100 edged 0.1% higher.

    Trump heads to Davos

    Market sentiment has been under pressure this week after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to escalate tariffs on several European allies unless the United States is allowed to purchase Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory.

    Speaking at a press conference late Tuesday, Trump reiterated his position that the island needs to become U.S. territory.

    “I think we will work something out where NATO is going to be very happy and where we’re going to be very happy. But we need it for security purposes. We need it for national security,” he said.

    When asked how far he would go to secure Greenland, Trump offered a brief response: “You’ll find out,”

    raising concerns that he may use the Davos platform to intensify his push — a move that could further strain relations with European allies.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank, said the European economy needs a “deep review” to confront “the dawn of a new international order”. Lagarde added that U.S. tariffs would likely have only a modest inflationary impact overall, though Germany would be more affected than France, and argued that Europe would be stronger if it dismantled non-tariff trade barriers within the bloc.

    UK inflation accelerates in December

    UK inflation surprised to the upside in December, with consumer prices rising more than expected. The annual CPI rate climbed to 3.4% from 3.2% in November, above forecasts of 3.3%, according to data released earlier in the session.

    Inflation in Britain remains the highest among the G7 economies, despite weak economic growth. However, economists expect price pressures to ease in the coming months as last year’s increases in energy costs and other regulated prices drop out of the annual comparison.

    Corporate movers in focus

    In company news, Burberry (LSE:BRBY) exceeded expectations for sales growth during the crucial holiday quarter and guided for full-year profit in line with forecasts, helped by improved demand from China and a strategic refocus on its British heritage.

    Premier Foods (LSE:PFD) posted a strong third-quarter performance, reporting a 5.2% increase in branded revenue after better-than-expected Christmas trading.

    Atos (EU:ATO) said preliminary fiscal 2025 revenue reached €8 billion, meeting its target, while net cash outflow was lower than anticipated.

    Barry Callebaut (BIT:1BARN) reported a 9.9% decline in first-quarter sales volumes and announced that Hein Schumacher will take over as chief executive later this month.

    InPost (EU:INPST) said full-year 2025 parcel volumes jumped 25%, driven by strong international growth and a sharp rise in UK deliveries, with total volumes reaching a record 1.4 billion parcels.

    Outside Europe, Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) drew attention after beating expectations for fourth-quarter revenue and earnings, while also signalling a pause in share buybacks as it builds cash amid intense bidding competition for Warner Bros Discovery.

    Oil prices slide on Greenland tensions

    Oil prices fell sharply on Wednesday amid concerns that escalating trade tensions linked to the Greenland dispute could weigh on global growth.

    Brent crude futures dropped 1.5% to $63.95 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 1.3% to $59.56. Both benchmarks had closed nearly 1.5% higher in the previous session after OPEC+ producer Kazakhstan temporarily halted output at two oilfields, raising supply concerns.

    Beyond geopolitics, markets are awaiting a monthly report from the International Energy Agency later in the day, as well as updates on U.S. crude oil and gasoline inventories. Weekly data from the American Petroleum Institute is due later Wednesday, with official figures from the Energy Information Administration scheduled for Thursday, both delayed by one day due to a U.S. federal holiday earlier in the week.

  • JD Sports shares gain as FY26 profit outlook holds and North America momentum improves

    JD Sports shares gain as FY26 profit outlook holds and North America momentum improves

    JD Sports Fashion (LSE:JD.) said on Wednesday that it expects full-year profit to come in line with market expectations, after reporting resilient trading over the peak period and a pickup in sales momentum in North America, its largest market. The update lifted the retailer’s shares by more than 2%.

    The group said profit before tax and adjusting items for the 2025–26 financial year should align with current market forecasts, with company-compiled consensus standing at £849m.

    “Overall sales during the peak period were in line with our expectations, against a volatile consumer backdrop. Black Friday saw strong customer engagement across all regions, but demand softened in the first half of December, particularly in Europe and the UK,” said Régis Schultz, chief executive of JD Sports Fashion, in a statement.

    Group organic sales increased 1.4% in the nine weeks to 3 January, while like-for-like sales declined 1.8%. JD Sports noted that like-for-like trends in North America improved versus the previous quarter, helping to offset ongoing weakness in Europe and the UK.

    North America accounted for 39% of fourth-quarter-to-date sales and delivered like-for-like growth of 1.5%, alongside organic sales growth of 5.3%. Excluding standalone Finish Line stores, like-for-like sales in the region rose 4.1%.

    “JD’s brand awareness continues to grow in the US and, building on this momentum, we have decided to increase our marketing initiatives in North America in the coming year to accelerate our growth plans in the region,” Schultz added.

    The company pointed to resilient demand for footwear and a strong online performance over the holiday period. In Europe, which represented 32% of sales, like-for-like revenue fell 3.4%, although organic sales edged up 0.9%. The UK, accounting for 25% of sales, saw like-for-like sales decline 5.3% and organic sales drop 4.8%, reflecting weaker consumer conditions and higher levels of promotional activity.

    JD Sports said it expects its full-year gross margin to be around 50 basis points lower year on year, mainly due to controlled price investments, particularly online. As of 1 November 2025, group gross margin was already 60 basis points below the prior year.

    The retailer also reiterated that it remains on track to generate around £400m of free cash flow in FY26, up from £339m the previous year, supported by ongoing cost discipline and inventory management.

  • Currys upgrades profit outlook after strong peak trading and Nordic-led growth

    Currys upgrades profit outlook after strong peak trading and Nordic-led growth

    Currys (LSE:CURY) reported a robust peak trading performance over the 10 weeks to 10 January 2026, with group like-for-like revenue rising 6%. Growth was driven by a solid 3% increase in the UK & Ireland and a standout 12% uplift in the Nordics, where market conditions continued to improve and sales advanced across all countries and product categories.

    The retailer said it gained market share in both regions, supported by double-digit growth in omnichannel sales. Higher-margin, recurring revenue streams also performed well, including services, credit and B2B, while the iD Mobile customer base expanded 19% year on year to 2.5 million subscribers.

    Reflecting this momentum, Currys raised its guidance for adjusted profit before tax to between £180m and £190m, ahead of current market expectations. The group also confirmed it remains on track to finish the year with net cash in excess of £100m. Alongside this, management reiterated its commitment to shareholder returns, highlighting the ongoing £50m share buyback programme and the payment of an interim dividend.

    Strategically, Currys continues to focus on disciplined capital allocation and maintaining a net cash balance sheet, while targeting an adjusted EBIT margin of at least 3% in both the UK & Ireland and Nordic regions over the longer term. While profitability remains an area for further improvement, the company’s strong cash generation and attractive valuation provide support, even as technical indicators present a more mixed near-term picture.

    More about Currys plc

    Currys plc is a leading omnichannel retailer of technology products and services, operating online and through more than 700 stores across six countries. Trading as Currys in the UK & Ireland and Elkjøp in the Nordics, the group is the market leader in all its territories, selling consumer electronics, appliances and related services. Currys also operates the iD Mobile virtual network in the UK, runs one of Europe’s largest technology repair centres and manages an extensive distribution network, positioning it as a scale player in the consumer technology market.

  • Burberry issues FY 2026 Q3 trading update and confirms full-year results timetable

    Burberry issues FY 2026 Q3 trading update and confirms full-year results timetable

    Burberry Group plc (LSE:BRBY) has released its trading update for the third quarter of its 2026 financial year, with the full statement published via the London Stock Exchange and the company’s corporate website. As part of the update, the luxury group is engaging with investors and analysts through a virtual presentation, supported by slide materials and replay access.

    The company also confirmed that it will announce its preliminary full-year results for the 52 weeks ending 28 March 2026 on 14 May 2026. Management said the structured timetable and accompanying investor communications reflect Burberry’s ongoing focus on transparency and active engagement with the capital markets.

    From an outlook perspective, the group continues to face notable financial headwinds, including pressure on revenues and profitability. While management commentary has highlighted some encouraging factors, such as early signs of sales stabilisation and the impact of cost-saving initiatives, these are set against a more challenging near-term trading environment.

    Market indicators and valuation metrics present a mixed picture, with some technical signals pointing to potential downside risk. As a result, sentiment remains cautious as investors await clearer evidence of a sustained turnaround.

    More about Burberry

    Burberry Group plc is a UK-based luxury brand headquartered in London, renowned for its high-end fashion and accessories and iconic trademarks including the Burberry Check and Equestrian Knight Device. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 and also trades in the United States via ADRs, making it a prominent player in the global luxury goods market.

  • Rio Tinto posts solid 2025 production growth and reaffirms 2026 output plans

    Rio Tinto posts solid 2025 production growth and reaffirms 2026 output plans

    Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) recorded an 8% year-on-year increase in copper-equivalent production in 2025, supported by a combination of record iron ore output in the Pilbara, higher copper volumes and expanding exposure to future-facing commodities. The group achieved or exceeded its production guidance across all major product categories and confirmed its output targets for 2026.

    Iron ore production in the Pilbara reached a record quarterly level during the year, while copper volumes rose 11% following the completion and ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. Output also increased in bauxite and lithium, reflecting continued operational momentum and investment in growth assets.

    Looking ahead, Rio Tinto reaffirmed its 2026 guidance, which includes further growth in Pilbara and Simandou iron ore sales, resilient copper production levels and expanding lithium output. Exploration and evaluation spending fell to $795 million as qualifying costs related to the Rincon lithium project were capitalised, marking progress in the group’s development pipeline.

    Management highlighted several strategic milestones, including the first shipment from the Simandou project, record lithium production in Argentina and operational improvements across the aluminium value chain. These developments strengthen Rio Tinto’s diversification and growth profile at a time when markets for copper and aluminium are tightening, even as iron ore and alumina face more mixed conditions amid broader macroeconomic uncertainty.

    Overall, the company’s outlook is underpinned by strong operational delivery, disciplined capital allocation and a robust balance sheet. While some technical indicators suggest the shares are approaching overbought territory, the valuation continues to offer an attractive blend of growth exposure and income potential.

    More about Rio Tinto

    Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals group producing iron ore, aluminium, copper, bauxite, lithium and other industrial minerals. It operates major assets in Australia, Canada and Mongolia, with a portfolio aligned to long-term demand from steelmaking, electrification, energy transition and industrial end markets. This positions the group as a key supplier to both traditional industries and low-carbon value chains.

  • Premier Foods raises profit guidance after robust Christmas sales and market share gains

    Premier Foods raises profit guidance after robust Christmas sales and market share gains

    Premier Foods (LSE:PFD) delivered a strong performance over the thirteen weeks to 27 December 2025, driven by a solid Christmas trading period that saw branded revenue increase by 5.2% and total revenue rise 4.1%. On the back of this momentum, the group now expects full-year trading profit to come in at the upper end of current market forecasts.

    Both the Grocery and Sweet Treats divisions continued to gain market share, supported by an active innovation programme. New product launches during the period included OXO Bone Broth, Paxo Stuffing Wreaths and Mr Kipling Cake Bites, while premium seasonal ranges performed particularly well as shoppers opted to trade up over the festive period.

    Growth in New Categories remained a standout, with revenue up 29%, led by strong demand for FUEL10K yogurt and granola and wider distribution for Cape Herb & Spice. The company’s three acquired brands – The Spice Tailor, FUEL10K and Merchant Gourmet – all recorded double-digit growth, reflecting the benefits of Premier Foods’ scale in marketing, innovation and route-to-market execution.

    Internationally, the group returned to double-digit revenue growth. This was driven by strong cake sales in Australasia, expanding distribution for Mr Kipling in the US, and additional European listings secured for FUEL10K granola. Management said the breadth of growth across core, premium, acquired and overseas brands underlines the resilience of its brand-led strategy and supports confidence in the group’s medium-term outlook.

    Overall, the updated guidance reflects solid financial execution and positive trading momentum. While some technical indicators point to near-term volatility, management’s strategic focus and confidence in brand investment continue to underpin expectations for sustainable growth.

    More about Premier Foods

    Premier Foods is one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers, employing more than 4,000 people across 13 sites. The group supplies retail, wholesale, foodservice and other channels, and owns a portfolio of well-known brands including Ambrosia, Batchelors, Bisto, Loyd Grossman, Mr Kipling, Oxo and Sharwood’s. Its focus is on everyday, affordable food products that feature in millions of households and support convenient, balanced meals.

  • European Shares Slide as Greenland Standoff and Tariff Threats Rattle Markets: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Shares Slide as Greenland Standoff and Tariff Threats Rattle Markets: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities moved lower on Tuesday, extending the previous session’s losses after the United States sent military aircraft to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, prompting Denmark to dispatch its army chief and additional troops to the Arctic territory in a sharp escalation of tensions.

    Adding to market unease, U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could impose 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne after Paris declined an invitation to join his proposed Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, saying it “does not intend to answer favorably.”

    On the economic front, Germany’s statistics office Destatis said producer prices fell 2.5% year on year in December, accelerating from a 2.3% decline in November, largely due to a steep drop in energy prices.

    In the U.K., the Office for National Statistics reported that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.1% in the three months to November, in line with expectations and the previous period.

    By mid-session, Germany’s DAX was down 1.2%, while France’s CAC 40 and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 were each lower by around 0.9%.

    In corporate news, shares of AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) fell after the drugmaker said it plans to delist its American Depositary Shares and debt securities from Nasdaq.

    Big Yellow Group (LSE:BYG) also traded lower after the self-storage operator reported that closing occupied space declined by 82,000 square feet across its 111 stores in the third quarter, a period that is typically seasonally weaker.

    Ibstock (LSE:IBST) came under pressure as the building products group said market uncertainty had continued into the start of the new year.

    In contrast, shares of food flavourings specialist Treatt (LSE:TET) rose in London after the company formalised its relationship with major shareholder Dohler Finance.

    French carmaker Renault (EU:RNO) also moved higher after reporting a 3.2% increase in sales volumes in 2025.

    Meanwhile, Informa (LSE:INF) advanced after lifting its growth targets for 2026.

  • FTSE 100: Shares Slide Further on Trump Tariff Warnings and Soft UK Jobs Data; Sterling Holds Firm

    FTSE 100: Shares Slide Further on Trump Tariff Warnings and Soft UK Jobs Data; Sterling Holds Firm

    UK stocks remained under pressure on Tuesday, extending recent losses as fresh tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump linked to Greenland weighed on risk appetite, while domestic labour market data added to the negative tone, showing unemployment stuck at elevated levels in November and a slowdown in pay growth.

    By 10:09 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 1.4%. Sterling, however, strengthened, with GBP/USD up 0.4% at 1.34. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX fell 1.6% and France’s CAC 40 slipped 1.3%.

    FTSE 100 round-up

    Shares in RAPT Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:RAPT) soared 63.6% after GSK plc (LSE:GSK) said it plans to acquire the company for $58 per share in an all-cash deal that values RAPT at $2.2 billion. The transaction gives GSK access to RAPT’s food allergy pipeline, led by the anti-IgE antibody ozureprubart, which is in Phase IIb development for the prevention of reactions to multiple food allergens including peanut, milk, egg, cashew and walnut.

    In contrast, CPP Group Plc (LSE:CPP) slumped 43.8% after the group said it is reviewing strategic options that include cancelling its AIM listing and moving to a private company structure. The board pointed to difficulties facing smaller listed companies, including “persistent undervaluation, limited liquidity, and the ongoing costs and administrative burden” associated with a public listing.

    Wise PLC (LSE:WISE) jumped more than 13% after the money transfer group beat quarterly revenue expectations and upgraded its profit margin outlook. Wise reported underlying income of £424.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, up 21% year on year and above the £412 million analyst consensus.

    QinetiQ Group PLC (LSE:QQ.) said it remains on course to meet full-year targets, guiding for an operating margin of around 11% and earnings per share growth of 15% to 20%, after reporting more than £3 billion of orders year to date.

    Big Yellow Group PLC (LSE:BYG) posted third-quarter revenue of £52.3 million, up from £51 million a year earlier, as higher net achieved rents offset lower occupancy during a seasonally weaker period. Like-for-like store revenue increased to £51.9 million from £51 million.

    Shares in Informa PLC (LSE:INF) traded higher after the company lifted its 2025 adjusted earnings guidance to around 55.5p per share, implying underlying growth of 10–15%. Informa also announced a new £200 million share buyback and said it expects full-year revenue of about £4 billion.

    Ibstock PLC (LSE:IBST) dropped 7% after its full-year 2025 update signalled a sharper-than-expected downgrade to future earnings, despite results for the year broadly matching guidance, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be around £71 million.

    Kier Group PLC (LSE:KIE) said first-half trading was in line with board expectations, leaving full-year FY26 guidance unchanged, supported by consistent project delivery and tighter cash management.

    Finally, DFS Furniture PLC (LSE:DFS) rallied 6.8% after upgrading its full-year profit outlook above market expectations. The retailer now expects underlying profit before tax and brand amortisation of £43–50 million, compared with current consensus forecasts of around £41 million.

  • European Equities Extend Decline as Tariff Threats Continue to Sap Confidence: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Equities Extend Decline as Tariff Threats Continue to Sap Confidence: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European shares moved lower again on Tuesday, deepening the sell-off seen in the previous session as investors remained uneasy about the potential economic fallout from new trade tariffs.

    By 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX was down 0.9%, France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.8% and the UK’s FTSE 100 fell 0.8%.

    Tariff concerns cloud growth outlook

    Regional markets slid sharply on Monday after US President Donald Trump threatened to escalate tariffs against several European allies unless the United States is allowed to buy Greenland, the autonomous territory of Denmark.

    That cautious mood looked set to persist on Tuesday as US markets reopened after a public holiday and were expected to come under renewed pressure. Trump said late on Monday that he would meet a number of officials at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss the issue, while restating his stance on Greenland, saying that “Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back.”

    European leaders have broadly dismissed Trump’s demands and are reportedly preparing countermeasures should tariffs be imposed. An emergency meeting of EU leaders is scheduled for Thursday, raising the risk of a wider transatlantic trade dispute.

    Adding to the cautious tone, Citigroup on Tuesday downgraded European equities, citing heightened uncertainty around the earnings outlook.

    Slower UK wage growth fuels rate-cut expectations

    UK economic data released Tuesday pointed to easing inflationary pressure. The unemployment rate remained elevated in November, while wage growth cooled, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of England could continue cutting interest rates this year.

    The jobless rate held at 5.1% in the three months to November, unchanged from the previous period and the highest level since early 2021. Meanwhile, average earnings excluding bonuses rose 4.5% year on year, down slightly from 4.6% previously.

    The Bank of England lowered its key rate by 25 basis points to 3.75% in December and is next due to meet in early February.

    In Germany, producer prices declined largely in line with forecasts in December, falling 2.5% year on year, according to data from the federal statistics office.

    UK pharma names in focus

    On the corporate front, UK pharmaceutical companies drew attention. GSK (LSE:GSK) said it had agreed to acquire RAPT Therapeutics (NASDAQ:RAPT), a California-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, in a deal valuing the target’s equity at about $2.2 billion.

    Separately, AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) announced plans to delist from Nasdaq and move to a direct listing of its ordinary shares and debt on the New York Stock Exchange, effective after the close of trading on January 30.

    Oil steadies after volatile trade

    Oil prices were relatively subdued on Tuesday, consolidating after sharp swings in the previous session triggered by Trump’s renewed tariff threats toward Europe.

    Brent crude futures slipped 0.5% to $63.63 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate fell 0.6% to $58.97.

    Beyond geopolitical tensions, attention is turning to supply dynamics, with a closely watched monthly report from the International Energy Agency due on Wednesday. The IEA has repeatedly warned of a potential supply surplus emerging in 2026.

    The report follows last week’s outlook from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which struck a more optimistic tone on oil demand for 2026 and 2027.