UK stocks: Factors to watch on November 4
EWU•Britain’s FTSE 100 was seen opening down 1.2% on Wednesday. Barclays maintained its 2026 and 2027 Brent forecasts, while Unilever said it would cut €1 billion in costs by the end of 2029.
1. Stocks and companies
Britain’s FTSE 100 was seen opening down 1.2% on Wednesday. The index registered its steepest one-day drop in a month on Tuesday, pressured by miners and bank shares. Barclays maintained its Brent price forecasts for 2026 and 2027, and said oil markets may be underestimating upside price risks. Unilever said it would overhaul its operating model and cut €1 billion in costs by the end of 2029.
2. Commodities and events
Oil prices slipped in early trade as investors awaited US midterm election results, while industry data showed US crude stocks unexpectedly fell last week. Gold rose, supported by a softer US dollar, and copper ticked down. UK companies scheduled to report results or trading updates included Marks & Spencer, Barratt Redrow, Smith+Nephew, JD Wetherspoon, Coca-Cola HBC, Trainline and Lancashire Holdings.
