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Stock of the Week: Persimmon Shelters From Trump Tariff Chaos

UK housebuilders have proven a safe haven from the market turmoil.

Christopher Johnson 10 April, 2025 | 9:33AM
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Key Morningstar Metrics for Persimmon


As global stocks reel from Trump’s sweeping tariffs, one UK stock is weathering the storm better than most: UK housebuilder Persimmon PSN.

While the shares have fallen since Liberation Day, they haven’t fallen as much as the wider UK stock market.

Why is this? For one, UK housebuilders are for better or worse tied to the fortunes of the UK economy – they don’t export houses so can’t be subject to tariffs. These stocks have little to no exposure to international markets, although a global downturn will be bad news for the UK of course.

Another reason why UK housebuilding stocks have been resilient is that traders are betting on interest rate cuts from the Bank of England. In May, the Bank is expected to cut rates again and will be under pressure to keep cutting if economic conditions worsen. This should improve mortgage affordability.

Grant Slade, senior equity analyst at Morningstar, believes that the UK government’s overhaul of UK planning rules is a major boost for the homebuilder. In the Spring Statement, the chancellor even noted that planning reforms should boost economic growth in the coming years.

Slade expects the company will build 11,300 homes this year, up from around 10,600 in 2024.

Is Persimmon Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

According to Morningstar analysis, Persimmon stock is significantly undervalued, and trading in 5-star territory.

Year to date, shares in the UK housebuilder are down 5.32%, trading at £11.21, below Morningstar’s fair value estimate of £23.


The author or authors do not own shares in any securities mentioned in this article. Find out about Morningstar's editorial policies.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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About Author

Christopher Johnson  is data journalist at Morningstar

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