The FTSE 100 made a steady start as US markets rallied strongly on a tech bounce after the Deepseek shock on Monday.
London’s blue-chip index threatened a new record high yesterday before falling and was in the green just about at 8,535 when trading opened.
Tech proxy Scottish Mortgage Trust was an early riser, with shares rallying alongside the Nasdaq index in the US, which was up more 2% overnight.
Here, WH Smith confirmed it was selling is High Street business after more than 230 years of ownership. In its latest half year, revenue climbed by 3% with travel up by 7% but declined 6% across its high street shops.
AJ Bell saw more money on its platform as DIY investment platform customers jumped and its advised business grew. Net inflows improved from £1.3 billion to £1.4 billion, fuelled by a 20% increase in direct-to-consumer numbers to 387,000.
Finally, water suppliers United Utilities and South West Water-owner Pennon both committed to raise dividends as they announced bill increases of 32% and 23% respectively over the coming five years.
#proactiveinvestors #marketreport #ftse #ftse100 #footsie #deepseek #scottishmortgagetrust #whsmith #unitedutilities #pennongroup #ajbell #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews
