Archived article
Please note that tax, investment, pension and ISA rules can change and the information and any views contained in this article may now be inaccurate.
The FTSE 100 opened almost 38 points down at 6,710.90 this morning, continuing its slump from yesterday on the back of higher-than-expected inflation figures.
Medical technology company Smith & Nephew fell 6.1% to £14.72 as it reported a 42% fall in trading profits as consequences of the pandemic lead to a decreased revenue across the group as well as lower gross margins.
Hays rose 1.2% to 159.9p despite reporting a sharp fall in first-half profit. The recruitment company vowed to resume its dividend payments later this year in August, citing a stronger recovery in the second quarter.
Barclays fell 1.5% to 152.1p as profit was hit by £4.8 billion in bad loan provisions.
Price comparison website MoneySuperMarket.com remained stable at 268.32p following a slump in profits in 2020 fuelled by the impact of Coronavirus and lockdowns in the UK. Profits at the company fell 27% to £69.3 million, from £94.9 million in 2019.
Drugmaker Indivior swung to a loss in 2020 as revenue slipped amid competition from generic drugs to treat opioid dependence. For the year ended 31 December, the company reported a pre-tax loss $173 million, compared with a profit of $180 million year-on-year as revenue slipped to $647 million. Its share price sunk 2.58% to 145.15p.
Property investment trust Primary Health Properties has seen positive growth across its balance sheet, driven by a year of strong demand and improved management structure. Its share price remained stable at 148.60p on the back of the announcement.
Carnival's P&O Cruises Australia said it had extended its rolling pause on sailings departing from Australia on or before 18 June, 2021. It's share price dipped slightly following the news, to £13.95.
Real estate company Grainger said that Robert Hudson would be appointed as its next chief financial officer.