UK stocks: Factors to watch on October 5
EWU•Britain’s FTSE 100 was seen opening 0.5% higher. BT Group said it acquired TalkTalk out of administration, while National Grid expects fiscal 2027 earnings per share above expectations and Lidl GB plans over 50 new stores as part of a £600 million investment.
1. Company developments
BT Group said it acquired broadband operator TalkTalk out of administration. Separately, culture minister Lisa Nandy intervened in the acquisition, citing risks to public services and vulnerable customers. Lidl GB plans to open over 50 stores in its current financial year as part of a £600 million investment.
2. Forecast and asset sale
National Grid said it expects fiscal 2027 earnings per share above expectations, citing its investment portfolio and power grid business. Suncor Energy agreed to sell interests in three offshore oil assets to Ithaca Energy for C$1.2 billion in upfront cash.
3. Markets and trade
Oil prices edged lower as increased Middle East crude exports and a G7 oil stock release boosted supplies. Gold drifted higher after soft economic data lowered expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike in October, while a firmer dollar limited gains; copper nudged up on an improving demand outlook.
