FTSE - Upbeat Wage Data Offset By Mixed Corporate Updates
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On Tuesday, the London stock market saw an increase, with the personal goods sector leading the way, as employment market data revealed stronger-than-expected wage growth. However, a mix of corporate updates tempered investor optimism. The FTSE 100 benchmark index rose by 0.2%. Huw Pill, the Chief Economist of the Bank of England, stated that despite some indications of increasing unemployment and a gradual deceleration in the rate of wage growth, Britain's employment market continues to be tight compared to historical norms.
Flutter is experiencing a 2.7% decrease, trading at 15,750, and is one of the top losers on London's blue-chip index. The world's largest online betting company has decided to maintain its guidance for the full year, despite facing a series of unfavourable U.S. sports results in late March. The company has reported a 46% increase in first-quarter adjusted core profit and has achieved a $26 million core profit in the U.S. compared to a loss of $53 million last year. Additionally, profits in the rest of the world, including the PaddyPower and Betfair brands, have increased by 20% to $488 million in the quarter. Furthermore, as of the last close, the stock has risen by more than 17% year-to-date.
DCC, a support service provider in the UK, experienced a 3.2% decrease in its shares, trading at 5,695.9p, making it one of the top losers on the FTSE 100. The company reported a 10.6% decline in annual revenue due to reduced wholesale energy costs for its DCC Energy segment, which saw an 11.8% decrease in revenue. The adjusted profit for the fiscal year was 682.8 million pounds, up from 655.7 million pounds in 2023. The company also announced a 5% increase in annual dividend, raising it to 196.57p. Despite this, DCC shares have seen a 2% rise year-to-date.
On the positive side of the ledger, Vodafone, the UK telecommunications group, has seen a 3.7% increase in their shares, reaching 72.5p and becoming the top percentage gainer on the FTSE 100 index. The company's FY results met market forecasts, with a 2.2% rise in organic earnings and core earnings of 11.02 billion euros ($11.89 billion), in line with expectations. Adjusted free cash flow was reported at 2.60 billion euros, surpassing market expectations of 2.44 billion euros. Vodafone anticipates adjusted EBITDAaL for FY25 to be around 11 billion euros and adjusted free cash flow to be at least 2.4 billion euros. Their shares have reached their highest point since December 6, and have risen approximately 3% so far this year.
FTSE Bias: Bullish Above Bearish below 8300
- Below 8300 opens 8050
- Primary support 8000
- Primary objective 8537
- 5 Day VWAP bullish
- 20 Day VWAP bullish
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