Stock market analysis from The Share Centre
Friday, 03 November 2006 12:00
James Taylor, investment adviser from The Share Centre, comments on this week's market.
He said: "The FTSE 100 fell back slightly last week, continuing the previous weeks falls, finishing at 6,144, some 16 points lower for the week.
"This alongside a weak performance from the US, but a number of decent trading updates from the likes of Unilever, Smith & Nephew and Friends Provident provided some strength.
"Next week sees a host of blue chips updating the market, including Marks & Spencer, Yell Group, Rentokil Initial, 3i, BT group, Man Group and SABMiller."
The UK Market's Winners and Losers
Winners
| Company | Percentage change | Closing price | Comment |
| British Energy | 11.6% | 468.5p | Share price pushes up after recent weakness. |
| Friends Provident | 9.4% | 210p | Forecast-beating 3rd quarter figures result in an upgrade of full year estimates. |
| Unilever | 4.2% | 1371p | Strong 3rd quarter figures and confirmation of a well-received share buyback. |
| Gallaher | 3.9% | 910.5P | Rumours of a 1150p per share bid. |
| Wetherspoon | 8.5% | 607.5p | Strong trading update coupled with broker upgrade. |
Losers
| Company | Percentage change | Closing price | Comment |
| Rexam | -6.8% | 554p | Warns that plastic packaging business profits may be flat. |
| Wolseley | -5.7% | 1191p | Makes 6 acquisitions but warns on US housing weakness. |
| DSG International | -4.4% | 210.25p | Broker downgrade. |
| Paypoint | -4.8% | 595p | Acquires UK internet payment service provider for £8.4m. |
| Wolfson Microelectronics | -2.9% | 295.25p | Broker downgrade. |
NOTE: The companies detailed above may or may not be the biggest percentage movers (plus/minus) on the day.
Mondays companies reporting:
- Interim Results:
Electrocomponents, Immunodiagnostic Systems, Ryanair. - Final Results:
Amazing Holdings.
Tuesdays companies reporting:
- Interim results:
Marks & Spencer, Top Ten Holdings, Turbotec Products, Yell Group. - Final Results:
Associated British Foods, Careforce Group. - Trading statements:
UK Coal, Dicom Group, FireOne.
Wednesdays companies reporting:
- Interim results:
Bema Gold, Cable & Wireless, Celsis International, CSR, First Group, London Stock Exchange, Rentokil Initial, Shanks. - Final Results:
Fenner, Phytopharm.
Thursdays companies reporting:
- Interim Results:
3i, BT Group, Dairy Crest Group, Man Group, SABMiller, Wincanton. - Final Results:
Punch Taverns, TRIO Finance, Formation Group.
Fridays companies reporting:
- Interim Results:
Hornby, BBI Holdings.
Comments
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