UK equity markets were rather tame on Wednesday, with no major movements either up or down, as the Bank of England (BoE) cut its economic growth forecast for the country.
“The outlook for UK growth remains unusually uncertain,” explained the BoE in its August Inflation Report. “The greatest threat to the recovery stems from the risk that an effective policy response is not implemented sufficiently promptly in the euro area ... Even if an effective set of policies is implemented, the scale of the necessary adjustments points to a sustained period of sluggish euro-area growth and heightened uncertainty.”
Commenting on the BoE trimming its growth forecast, Gervais Williams, managing director at MAM Funds, said: “I feel this trend will be with us for some time. There have been a long series of downgrades of world growth and the UK trend is similar.”
On Wednesday, the large-cap FTSE 100 index closed at 5,846, just five points above the previous session’s close. The mid-cap FTSE 250 index dipped slightly, closing at 11,436, after losing 25 points.
Amongst some of the main market movers during the quiet session were Standard Chartered (STAN) and Rio Tinto (RIO). Shares in the global bank Standard Chartered posted a 7% recovery after the company lost nearly 25% of its market value over the last two days due to allegations of it hiding financial transactions in New York. Shares in Rio Tinto also pushed 3% higher after the mining giant reported half-year figures that showed a drop in profits, but these results were in line with the more optimistic analyst forecasts.
Looking ahead to Thursday, the insurer Aviva (AV.) will be reporting half-year earnings results.
"Aviva’s interim results tomorrow are likely to show operating profits down 10% to £1 billion, dented by weather-related claims," forecast Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets. "However, (the) focus may be on updates regarding the restructuring process launched last month by interim executive John McFarlane. Income investors will be hoping the 10p interim dividend is maintained. This stems from comments from McFarlane that Aviva was “trying to maintain it” amid a restructuring plan to boost returns after poor long-term share price performance."
For an overview of market and economic developments from earlier in the week, read these articles:
- Monday: Scandal Erupts at Standard Chartered
- Tuesday: Upbeat FTSE Session Marred by Standard Chartered