Standard Life/Aberdeen, BT and Futura Medical

“The FTSE100 opened the week in negative territory following dips in Asia this morning and a fall on Wall Street overnight Friday with investors continuing to expect a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“Standard Life topped the blue-chip index and Aberdeen Asset Management was one of the biggest FTSE250 risers in early trading as traders warmed to a potential tie-up between the two Scottish-based groups. The combined group would have £660bn of assets under administration which would make it one of the world’s biggest players with market leading platforms and access to long-standing, strategic partnerships globally. A merger will undoubtedly transform the combined group's ability to invest for growth and innovate. But it will also drive greater operational efficiency, which is likely to mean job cuts. Standard Life’s shares were up by more than 7.1% while Aberdeen was up by over 5.7%.

“BT Sport will remain the exclusive UK home of all UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League football having secured the rights until the end of the 2020-21 season. The UEFA Champions League is set to be even stronger from 2018-19, with a minimum of four participating teams now guaranteed from England, Spain, Germany and Italy, resulting in more games between the top European teams.

“Futura Medical’s shares soared after a validated market research model confirmed the breakthrough potential for its topical gel for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as an over-the-counter product. Annual sales of the gel in prescription and in over-the-counter product versions are expected to peak at more than $1bn prior to the expiry of the product's expected patent life. Futura’s shares were up by 13% in early trading.”

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