Market Movers and Key Data Releases for the Week Ahead
The FTSE 100 edged higher on Friday, closing up 23 points, or 0.3%, at 8,554.80 after a hesitant start, as easing trade war tensions lifted investor sentiment. The mid-cap FTSE 250 also advanced, gaining 0.2%. According to Share Talk, this week’s market focus will be on a heavy slate of trading updates, interim results, and AGMs from major London-listed companies.
This week, investors will be closely watching companies such as Aviva, ITV, Burberry, National Grid, and Imperial Brands, which are set to release their trading updates, interim results, or hold their AGMs. On the macro side, markets will be monitoring the fallout from US-China trade talks and a raft of economic data from the UK, US, and Europe. As noted by Share Talk, "London-listed companies take centre stage this week with a heavy slate of trading updates, interim results, and AGMs".
On Monday, 12 May, the scheduled announcements include trading updates from Diversified Energy Company and Caledonia Mining Corporation, as well as interim results from Victrex. Overseas earnings will be released by Fox and United Internet, while AGMs will be held by International Paper, Spaceandpeople, and Sunda Energy, among others. As reported by Share Talk, these announcements are expected to provide valuable insights into the performance of these companies.
On Tuesday, 13 May, Bytes Technology Group will be in focus, having given its shares a boost in March after calming investor nerves over an investigation into former CEO Neil Murphy’s share dealings. The UK labour market will also be in focus, with wage growth figures and BRC retail sales data due for release. Interim results will be announced by On The Beach Group, Renew Holdings, and Treatt, among others. Final results will be released by Bytes Technology Group, DCC, and Diaceutics, while AGMs will be held by Baronsmead Venture Trust and Henderson High Income Trust, among others.
On Wednesday, 14 May, Burberry will be under pressure as European luxury peers report weak sales. Compass Group will be flagged as a defensive play amid market volatility, according to UBS. Imperial Brands will release a strategy update, with shares at 7-year highs. Scheduled announcements include trading updates from Keller and Spirax Group, as well as interim results from Compass Group and Imperial Brands. Final results will be released by Burberry and Experian, while AGMs will be held by Burford Capital and Conduit Holdings, among others.
On Thursday, 15 May, ITV will release its Q1 results, which may include cuts to full-year advertising forecasts. Aviva will also announce its results, with analysts remaining bullish citing strong diversification and the Direct Line deal. National Grid will release its final results, marking one of CEO John Pettigrew’s last updates. Scheduled announcements include trading updates from Aviva and ITV, as well as interim results from Auction Technology Group and Grainger. Final results will be released by 3i Group and National Grid, while AGMs will be held by Alpha Group International and Bridgepoint Group, among others.
On Friday, 16 May, Future PLC will report its interim results, its first major update since February. New CEO Kevin Li Ying is expected to outline his vision for the publisher’s strategic evolution, especially in light of soft advertising trends and slowing growth at Go.Compare. Scheduled announcements include trading updates from Vesuvius, as well as interim results from Future. Final results will be released by Land Securities, while AGMs will be held by CLS Holdings and Derwent London, among others.
In conclusion, as reported by Share Talk, this week’s market focus will be on a range of trading updates, interim results, and AGMs from major London-listed companies, as well as key economic data releases from the UK, US, and Europe. Investors will be closely watching these announcements for insights into the performance of these companies and the overall market sentiment.
