June's AI-picked stock updates now live. See what's new in Tech Titans, up 28.5% year to date.Unlock Stocks

UPDATE 2-Trade view dims, Kingfisher drops on FTSE's worst day in 3 weeks

Published 11/21/2019, 01:04 AM
UPDATE 2-Trade view dims, Kingfisher drops on FTSE's worst day in 3 weeks
UK100
-
HSBA
-
BP
-
SHEL
-
AV
-
MAB
-
MCRO
-
BOY
-
FTMC
-
STOXX
-
FEVR
-

* FTSE 100 down 0.8%, FTSE 250 down 0.3%
* U.S.-China tensions hit HSBC, oil, miners
* Kingfisher drops after Q3 report
* Mitchells & Butlers outshines mid-caps
* Graphic https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/12/8896/8808/graphics.png:
Sterling, FTSE 250 vs odds of Tory majority in Dec. election

(Adds news items, graphic, updates to closing prices)
By Shashwat Awasthi and Yadarisa Shabong
Nov 20 (Reuters) - UK stocks fell on Wednesday after three
sessions of gains as flaring tensions between China and the
United States cast doubt over prospects of a trade deal and
retailer Kingfisher slumped 7% following disappointing quarterly
sales.
The FTSE 100 .FTSE lost 0.8% on its worst day in almost
three weeks, as trade concerns weighed on Asia-exposed financial
stocks like HSBC HSBA.L , while oil majors Shell RDSa.L and
BP BP.L and industrial stocks also slipped. O/R
Losses on the more domestically-focussed FTSE 250 .FTMC
were slightly more contained, as the index gave up 0.3%.
However, earnings-driven gains helped pub operator Mitchells
& Butlers MAB.L , software company Micro Focus MCRO.L and
thermal processing service provider Bodycote BOY.L rise
between 4%-5% and outperform the mid-cap index.
Worries over U.S.-China trade escalated as President Donald
Trump threatened to raise tariffs on imports if no deal was
reached, while nerves were jangled further after the U.S. Senate
passed legislation backing protesters in Hong Kong, which drew
condemnation from Beijing. That spurred a broad sell-off across global markets as
investors chose to prioritise safer bets over risky assets like
stocks. They will also keep an eye on the U.S. Federal Reserve's
latest minutes, though no surprises are expected.
"Given that the U.S. Senate has just passed legislation in
support of the Hong Kong protests, such a move threatens to
drive a wedge into ongoing negotiations while potentially
raising the barrier to a trade deal," FXTM analyst Han Tan said.
Shares in Aviva Plc AV.L fell 3.5% as investors were
underwhelmed by a strategy update from the insurer, which
analysts say is struggling for direction since replacing its top
boss. Domestic stocks, which have benefited from polls indicating
a likely Conservative victory in the upcoming election, weakened
after three sessions, but still outperformed the broader
European benchmark .STOXX .
Markets are viewing a prospective Tory victory as a positive
on hopes that Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with a majority in
parliament, will be able to reduce uncertainty by delivering
Brexit by the Jan. 31 deadline.
With less than a month to go before the ballot, Johnson on
Tuesday doubled down on his Brexit promise in a debate with his
main rival, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Other news-driven moves saw AIM-listed Fevertree FEVR.L ,
which slid in early trading, recoup to rise 8% as the market
seemingly shrugged off the tonic water maker's revenue warning
to focus on sales growth in the U.S.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.