Stock market analysis from The Share Centre

James Taylor, of the Share Centre comments on week's market.

Mr Taylor said: “The FTSE 100 saw large falls this week from around 4970 points on Monday, to finish at 4892. Metal and mining companies were hit particularly hard due to falling commodity prices, and an announcement of a slowdown in consumer spending from the US further depressed the market.

"Elsewhere, Woolworths lost over 25% of its market value as a potential buyer pulled out, and GUS, who own Argos, reported a slump in sales. Tesco brought some joy, announcing record profits of £2bn, while a favourable patent ruling in the US helped the pharmaceuticals push higher. Next week sees results from Allied Domecq, WH Smith and Cairn Energy."


The UK Market's Winners and Losers
Winners
AstraZeneca
Closed up 5.22% at 2297p after a positive patent ruling in the US.

Hanson
Closed up 2.79% at 497p after worries over asbestos liabilities eased.

Tesco
Closed up 2.37% at 324.5p after announcing record profits.

Atkins (Ws)
Closed up 3.59% at 649.5p after a positive trading statement.

Northumbrian Water
Closed up 4.07% at 192p on hopes of consolidation in the sector.

Losers
Woolworths
Closed down 26.94% at 40p after Apax Partners pull out of buying the company.

Trafficmaster
Closed down 2.45% at 49.75p as it is owed money by Rover, with little chance of recovering now.

BHP Billiton
Closed down 9.8% at 658p as commodity prices come under pressure.

BP
Closed down 5.58% at 533p after falls in oil prices.

Exel
Closed down 4.86% at 851p as brokers take profits after last weeks rise.

The companies detailed above may or may not be the biggest percentage movers (plus / minus) on the week.




Next week's reports

Monday's companies reporting:
Final Results:
Peter Hambro Mining, Star Energy.
Trading Statements:
BP, Severn Trent
Tuesday's companies reporting:
Interim Results:
Arm Holdings (Q1), Bellway, Carr's Milling Industries, Mouchel Parkman.
Final Results:
Canterbury Foods, Cairn Energy, Highland Gold Mining, Incat International, Game Group, Parity Group.
Wednesday's companies reporting:
Interim Results:
Carter & Carter.
Final Results:
Clinton Cards, Oakdene Homes, RC Group
Thursday's companies reporting:
Interim Results:
Allied Domecq, WH Smiths
Final Results:
Imperial Energy Corporation
Friday's companies reporting:
Interim Results:
WPP (Q1)
Final Results:
Surgical Innovations.

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