FTSE 100 opens lower as investors digest corporate earnings
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The FTSE 100 started Thursday’s session 0.4% lower, as market sentiment remained subdued despite a series of corporate updates. Investors are balancing strong earnings from select companies against broader concerns over economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks.
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) rose 2.75% after projecting 2025 annual income growth between 6.5% and 7.5%, following a 2024 performance that slightly exceeded analyst expectations. Aviva (AV.) gained 1.60%, reporting better-than-expected annual profits driven by double-digit growth in general insurance premiums.
Rolls-Royce (RR.) surged 14.61%, leading the index, after beating its 2024 guidance and raising mid-term growth targets. The company’s strong performance reinforced its ongoing turnaround strategy and improving fundamentals.
Haleon (HLN) dropped 3.82% despite reporting full-year profits in line with expectations, as investors took profits following its strong recent performance. Ocado (OCDO) posted a smaller-than-expected annual loss, signaling improving conditions for the online supermarket and technology group.
Drax Group (DRX) reported a 5.5% rise in annual profit, aligning with market forecasts, while AstraZeneca (AZN) announced plans to transition all its UK research, development, and drug manufacturing operations to clean energy by the end of the year.
WPP (WPP) faced pressure after reporting a 1% decline in full-year organic revenue, a bigger drop than expected, reflecting ongoing challenges in the advertising and media sector. Man Group (EMG) reported a modest 1% rise in assets under management, reaching $168.6 billion.
Indivior (INDV) confirmed the appointment of Joe Ciaffoni as CEO, as the company seeks to strengthen its leadership in the pharmaceutical sector.
Meanwhile, Unilever (ULVR), Diageo (DGE), Barclays (BARC), Ashmore (ASHM), Hays (HAS), and Plus500 (PLUS) are trading ex-dividend, which may weigh on their share prices as investors adjust for the latest payouts.
With corporate earnings continuing to drive stock-specific moves, broader market sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing U.S. tariff discussions and key economic data releases. Investors will be closely watching global developments for further direction.
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) rose 2.75% after projecting 2025 annual income growth between 6.5% and 7.5%, following a 2024 performance that slightly exceeded analyst expectations. Aviva (AV.) gained 1.60%, reporting better-than-expected annual profits driven by double-digit growth in general insurance premiums.
Rolls-Royce (RR.) surged 14.61%, leading the index, after beating its 2024 guidance and raising mid-term growth targets. The company’s strong performance reinforced its ongoing turnaround strategy and improving fundamentals.
Haleon (HLN) dropped 3.82% despite reporting full-year profits in line with expectations, as investors took profits following its strong recent performance. Ocado (OCDO) posted a smaller-than-expected annual loss, signaling improving conditions for the online supermarket and technology group.
Drax Group (DRX) reported a 5.5% rise in annual profit, aligning with market forecasts, while AstraZeneca (AZN) announced plans to transition all its UK research, development, and drug manufacturing operations to clean energy by the end of the year.
WPP (WPP) faced pressure after reporting a 1% decline in full-year organic revenue, a bigger drop than expected, reflecting ongoing challenges in the advertising and media sector. Man Group (EMG) reported a modest 1% rise in assets under management, reaching $168.6 billion.
Indivior (INDV) confirmed the appointment of Joe Ciaffoni as CEO, as the company seeks to strengthen its leadership in the pharmaceutical sector.
Meanwhile, Unilever (ULVR), Diageo (DGE), Barclays (BARC), Ashmore (ASHM), Hays (HAS), and Plus500 (PLUS) are trading ex-dividend, which may weigh on their share prices as investors adjust for the latest payouts.
With corporate earnings continuing to drive stock-specific moves, broader market sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing U.S. tariff discussions and key economic data releases. Investors will be closely watching global developments for further direction.