Source: Sharecast
Halma traded higher after Deutsche Bank raised its price target on the stock from 3,290p to 3,690p on Monday, while maintaining a 'hold' rating, citing a stable backdrop and sector-wide strength. DB said Halma remains valued for its consistency, producing sensors, safety systems and environmental monitoring equipment that deliver steady growth.
JD Sports extended gains on Monday, buoyed by upbeat quarterly results from Nike, which helped lift sentiment across the broader consumer discretionary and lifestyle space. Nike posted stronger-than-expected earnings last week, easing concerns over margin pressure and inventory build-up, and signalling resilient demand for branded apparel and footwear. Analysts said the read-across could mark a turning point for the sector, which has faced headwinds from cost inflation, cautious consumer spending and elevated promotional activity.
Mondi shares slumped more than 15% on Monday after the packaging group flagged softer market conditions and extended maintenance shutdowns in its third-quarter update. Mondi reported underlying EBITDA of €223m for the three months to 30 September, including a €20m forestry fair value gain, down from €274m in Q2 and €290m in Q1. The second-quarter figure had included a €16m gain. The packaging and paper group said demand remained subdued across key segments, with longer-than-expected maintenance outages further weighing on performance.
Schroders headed south after the Financial Times said Lloyds Banking Group was set to take full control of Schroders Personal Wealth, ending the pair's joint venture. The move would see Lloyds acquire Schroders' 49.9% stake in the wealth management firm, handing it sole ownership. Schroders Personal Wealth was launched in 2019 and, as of the end of 2024, managed £15.7bn in assets across a network of 300 financial advisers.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
FTSE 100 - Risers
SSE (SSE) 1,791.00p 2.43%
Prudential (PRU) 1,034.00p 2.33%
BP (BP.) 432.35p 2.03%
JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 105.35p 1.98%
WPP (WPP) 376.40p 1.84%
Halma (HLMA) 3,566.00p 1.83%
Glencore (GLEN) 353.55p 1.68%
St James's Place (STJ) 1,308.50p 1.32%
Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 375.10p 1.24%
Intertek Group (ITRK) 5,005.00p 1.15%
FTSE 100 - Fallers
Mondi (MNDI) 880.00p -15.95%
Smurfit Westrock (DI) (SWR) 3,044.00p -2.96%
Kingfisher (KGF) 301.30p -2.08%
BAE Systems (BA.) 2,013.00p -2.04%
Bunzl (BNZL) 2,452.00p -1.53%
Schroders (SDR) 389.40p -1.12%
Metlen Energy & Metals (MTLN) 46.45p -1.06%
3i Group (III) 4,379.00p -1.06%
Haleon (HLN) 328.00p -1.00%
Unilever (ULVR) 4,354.00p -0.87%