London's FTSE 100 rises as Shell boosts energy stocks
EWU•The FTSE 100 rose 0.26% to 10,722.07 points as Shell gained 2.1% after reporting its highest quarterly profit since 2022 and increasing its share buyback. Haleon fell about 15% after cutting its organic revenue growth forecast; its CEO reportedly warned staff of “difficult choices” ahead.
1. Market closes higher
The FTSE 100 rose 0.26% to 10,722.07 points on Thursday, while the FTSE 250 climbed 0.14%. Energy stocks gained nearly 1.64%, even as oil prices dipped.
2. Company moves diverge
Shell rose 2.1% after reporting its highest quarterly profit since 2022 and increasing its share buyback program. Haleon slid about 15% after cutting its organic revenue growth forecast, its biggest one-day decline in four years as a publicly listed company. Its chief executive reportedly warned staff of “difficult choices” ahead.
3. Other stocks and rates
Lloyds Banking Group fell 5% after reporting muted third-quarter results, while BAE Systems gained 2.2%, Rolls-Royce rose 1.4% and WPP advanced 5.4%. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, and Thursday’s US personal consumption expenditure figures were under scrutiny.
