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| Yesterday’s UK 100 Leaders | Price (p) | % Chg |
| BP | 580.5 | 3.2% |
| United Utilities Group | 1,396.0 | 2.3% |
| GSK | 2,167.0 | 2.0% |
| Hiscox | 1,607.0 | 1.9% |
| SSE | 2,757.5 | 1.9% |
| Yesterday’s UK 100 Laggards | Price (p) | % Chg |
| Entain | 535.2 | -8.4% |
| Informa | 774.4 | -3.8% |
| Compass Group | 28.1 | -3.6% |
| Standard Life | 707.4 | -3.5% |
| Experian | 2,590.5 | -3.3% |
| Major World Indices | Price | % Chg | 1 Year |
| UK 100 INDEX | 10,603 | -5.4% | 34.0% |
| DOW JONES INDUS. AVG | 8,185.8 | 0.6% | 21.70% |
| DAX INDEX | 23,807 | 1.1% | 15.8% |
| NIKKEI 225 | 56,870 | 1.8% | 64.3% |
| S&P/ASX 200 INDEX | 8,961 | -0.1% | 16.2% |
| Commodity | Units | Price | % Chg |
| WTI Crude Oil (Nymex) | USD/bbl. | 98.5 | 0.66% |
| Brent Crude (ICE) | USD/bbl. | 96.7 | 0.80% |
| Gold Spot | USD/t oz. | 4,758 | -0.19% |
| Copper (Comex) | USd/lb. | 579.1 | 0.45% |
Click graph to enlarge
The UK 100 is called to open +20 points at at 10,623. Uncertainty over the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz kept Brent crude prices elevated, dampening enthusiasm despite a US-Iran ceasefire. In Europe, stability mirrors the gains seen overnight in US markets, where the Dow Jones and S&P 500 both rose 0.6%, led by the technology sector as the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.8%. Asian markets followed Wall Street’s upward trend, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 surging between 1.8% and 1.9% and South Korea’s Kospi rising 1.5%, while China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng also posted modest gains.
Investors are now turning their focus to upcoming inflation data, with the March US Consumer Price Index (CPI) forecast at 3.3%, the highest reading since May 2024, driven largely by persistent oil prices. Meanwhile, gold prices remained flat and market confidence remains fragile ahead of upcoming peace talks in Islamabad.
Metlen Energy & Metals reported a sharp decline in profitability despite strong revenue growth. Pre-tax profit fell to €382m, down 48% from €748m, while EBITDA dropped over 30% to €753m. At the same time, revenue rose 25% to €7.1bn, showing that demand remains robust. However, rising net debt, up to €3.11bn from €2.63bn, reflects the strain of cost overruns and delays at a major energy-from-waste project in Cheshire, compounded by contractor issues and operational setbacks. The overall picture is one of strong top-line expansion undermined by execution challenges and tighter margins.
Lidl GB is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy following a strong financial performance. The company reported revenue of £11.7bn, up 8.3%, while profits more than doubled to £156.8m. Backed by this momentum, Lidl plans to invest £600m in the UK, opening 50 new stores and creating around 2,000 jobs. Its market share has reached 8.3%, putting it level with Morrisons, as discount retailers continue to attract cost-conscious consumers. The strategy highlights a cycle of profitability fuelling expansion, reinforcing Lidl’s competitive position in the UK grocery market.
UK
Unite Group (UTG) – Trading update and Q1 fund valuations
US
None
UK
None
US
None
Chinese Consumer Price Index
US Consumer Price Index
US Factory Orders
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index
US UoM 1-year Consumer Inflation Expectations
US UoM 5-year Consumer Inflation Expectations
US Monthly Budget Statement
UK 100 companies going ex-dividend on 16th April 2026:
Convatec Group
London Stock Exchange Group
Diageo
Antofagasta
Games Workshop Group
UK 250 companies going ex-dividend on 16th April 2026:
Unite Group
Jupiter Fund Management
Rathbones Group
Johnson Service Group
Quilter
Costain Group
Travis Perkins
Kier Group
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