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The primary indexes in Britain bounced back from their lowest points in over a year on Tuesday, as investors seek clues about a potential easing of Washington's tough stance on the aggressive tariffs that have unsettled global markets in recent days. The FTSE 100, a benchmark for blue-chip stocks, increased by 1.8%. Markets were unsettled following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of extensive trade tariffs last week, igniting concerns about a potential global recession. Trump stated on Monday that he would engage with China, Japan, and other nations regarding the tariffs but was not considering a halt on the duties. Meanwhile, data from the funds network Calastone indicated that British investors had significantly invested in U.S. stocks in the weeks leading up to Trump's tariff announcement. Throughout the day, 94 of the FTSE 100 stocks saw gains.

Single Stock Stories & Broker Updates:

• Impax Asset Management Group drops 20%, the lowest since Sept 2017, as it forecasts FY profit below market estimates due to a 26% fall in managed assets and the impact of the trade war. CEO Ian Simm notes uncertain market conditions for FY25's second half. Net inflows affected by St. James's Place terminating a 5.1 bln-pound mandate and account closures. IPX down 17.5%, with YTD losses around 50%.
• Diageo shares rose 1%. The European Commission proposed 25% counter-tariffs on U.S. imports, excluding bourbon whisky, in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. Some tariffs begin May 16, others on December 1. European spirits exports to the U.S. are expected to hit €2.9 billion ($3.18 billion) by 2024. Diageo stock is down 22% year-to-date.
• Shares of Gooch & Housego Plc rose 10%, driven by a positive trading update. The company anticipates limited direct impact from U.S. tariffs, which may benefit some areas of its business. Analysts noted organic revenue growth of 7.5% on constant exchange rates. The stock is currently at a session high, reducing year-to-date losses to about 21%.
• Shares of Belluscura plummet 50.4% to 0.62p after withdrawing its 2025 forecast due to new U.S. tariffs on China, affecting its oxygen concentrators and parts. 8.7 million shares traded, significantly above the 30-day average of 1.9 million, pushing the stock's YTD decline to 93%.
• Shares of PureTech Health dropped 13.7% to 119.2p after Nordic Capital XI announced it would not pursue an offer following a rejected proposal. PRTC has declined about 8% this year.

Technical & Trade View

FTSE Bias: Bullish Above Bearish below 8950

• Primary support 8700
• Below 8700 opens 8600
• Primary objective 9050
• Daily VWAP Bearish
• Weekly VWAP Bearish

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