Market Snapshot
As the strong third quarter draws to a close, UK investors on Wednesday opted to stay away from riskier assets, with market sentiment still dominated by downbeat economic data and resurfacing European debt worries.
A strong session on the Asian markets this morning, boosted by the Chinese manufacturing PMI exceeding expectations and the Japanese Tankan corporate survey reaching a seven-year high, had little impact on European markets.
As in previous sessions this week, the UK market was virtually flat at midday today. The FTSE 100 lost 0.3% to 5,561 points, and the FTSE 250 gained 0.2% to 10,577. Financials weighed amid worries of Ireland’s financial health, as a EUR 5 billion-state funded recapitalization of Anglo Irish Bank is expected to be officially announced tomorrow.
The European Commission’s September Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) showed an improvement in sentiment for the eurozone, but 2% deterioration in the UK.
The Bank of England’s latest figures on consumer credit, mortgage approvals and broad money supply showed consumer credit dropped to its lowest level since last November.
Market Risers
Rolls-Royce (RR.), up 4.1%: Upbeat broker comment.
Wolseley (WOS), up 2.6%: Confidence boost as CFO John Martin buys company shares.
BP (BP.), Essar Energy (ESSR), up 2.2-2.3%: Oil prices reverse recent decline; BP announces new safety unit and management shake up.
Carnival (CCL), up 1.7%: Upbeat broker comment.
Market Fallers
Next (NXT), Marks & Spencer (MKS), down 0.4-0.7%: clothing retail sector down after Swedish peer Hennes & Mauritz (HM B) announced below expectation quarterly performance.
AstraZeneca (AZN), down 1.7%: Downbeat broker comment following failed drug test.
Barclays (BARC), Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), HSBC (HSBA), down 1.1-1.9%: Financials out of favour.
Vedanta Resources (VED), down 5.2%: Court order to shut south India copper smelter.
Centrica (CNA), Inmarsat (ISAT), WM Morrison Supermarkets (MRW), down 1-1.3%: Shares trade ex-dividend.