By Patrick Munnelly, Market Analyst, Tickmill
UK-listed stocks have experienced a relatively narrow trading range since late April as investors assessed a combination of mixed corporate earnings, a softer outlook for commodity-related stocks, and the ongoing impasse over the US debt ceiling negotiations.
The FTSE 100 started the week posting early gains. However, the early optimism has faded as has the FTSE with the index closing the session up just 14 points at 7770.99..
The early lift was led by news of a £1.3 billion sale of NatWest shares leaving the UK taxpayer stake below 40% as the government continues efforts to be rid of its exposure by 2026. State ownership peaked at 84% during the financial crisis 15 years ago but is now at 38.6% after the Treasury sold shares back to the bank at a price of 268.4p on Friday.
FTSE 100 biggest movers
Sitting at the top of the index today is the world’s largest dedicated online grocer Ocado LON:OCDO. After shares traded at seven month lows last week bargain hunters have stepped in, encouraged by their new marketing campaign focused on price promises, Ocado shares are up just over 2.3% on the session.
Following President Joe Biden’s remarks suggesting a potential improvement in relations between the United States and China, shares of Standard Chartered LON:STAN and Burberry LON:BRBY, both with a focus on Asia, saw gains in the market. Investors reacted positively to the prospects of improved relations between the two economic powerhouses. Standard Chartered (+3%), a bank with a significant presence in Asia, experienced an increase in its stock price, the stock advance was further supported by an upgrade from Bank of America, lifting its price target. Similarly, Burberry (+1.7%), a luxury brand heavily reliant on the Chinese market, also saw its shares rise.
On the negative side of the ledger Halma LON:HLMA the UK medical device business is sitting second to bottom on the session after UBS raised their price target for the firm to £26 from a prior £24.70. However, the bank maintained a ‘neutral’ rating on the stock which led to investors shunning the stock as it slid over 1.7%.
Fellow medical device maker Convatec LON:CTEC is sitting at the bottom of the pile today, nursing losses of just over 1.7% at the close.
On the fundamental front, investors will be firmly focused on the upcoming release of UK inflation data on Wednesday which could play a crucial role in shaping the Bank of England’s decision on further interest rate hikes.
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