5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Thursday

The FTSE 350 is down on the week so far…

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

The FTSE 350 has given up its previous gains for the week, as inflation shock filters through global stock markets.

Volatile markets

After a very uncertain day, the FTSE 100 ended Wednesday down 109 points (1.5%) to 7,277. The FTSE 350 finished the day at 4,031, down 61 points. Earlier in the day, lower-than-expected UK inflation in August had led to softer falls, with the FTSE indexes showing only around half those drops.

After disappointing US inflation figures, the S&P 500 has fallen 4% in two days, with the Nasdaq down 4.5%. Against that kind of background, the FTSE could go anywhere on Thursday.

Solar power results

Foresight Solar Fund will deliver interim results Thursday. The FTSE 250 investment company puts its money, as its name suggests, in solar power developments. It invests in the UK and Australia.

Presumably the sunnier weather down under has helped with its share price, up 23% in the past 12 months.

Ex-dividend

Several FTSE 350 shares go ex-dividend Thursday. Other things being equal, we’d expect to see their share prices dip by the value of the dividend.

FTSE 100 firms Unite Group, Intertek, and Melrose hit their interim ex-dividend dates. Unite has declared a payment of 11p per share, up 69% on last year. Intertek’s H1 dividend is unchanged at 34.2p. And Melrose ups its payment 10% to 0.825p per share.

In the FTSE 250, it’s interim ex-dividend day for TBC Bank Group and International Public Partnerships.

Investment trust cash

Murray Income Trust is officially a Dividend Hero, and had previously raised its dividend every year for the past 48 years. Murray invests for UK Equity Income, and will pay its fourth interim dividend on Thursday.

The 11.25p payment, announced in August, takes the full-year total to 36p per share. That’s a 4.3% increase on last year’s total, and provides a 4.5% yield on Wednesday’s closing price. And it brings up 49 years of annual dividend increases.

Economics

It’s worth reminding ourselves that there will be no Bank of England interest rate decision this Thursday, after it was postponed for a week following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Monetary Policy Committee will, instead, announce their next decision on 22 September.

A further interest rate rise is widely expected, even with inflation softening a bit. The 9.9% increase in prices announced Wednesday did not match the predicted 10.2%. But we still have inflation at levels not previously seen for 40 years.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Foresight Solar Fund Limited, Intertek, and Melrose. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Young black colleagues high-fiving each other at work
Investing Articles

I’d buy this penny stock with its 5% yield and growth prospects before it soars!

Our writer breaks down this penny stock with its current enticing yield and explains how growth potential could help it…

Read more »

Young black man looking at phone while on the London Overground
Investing Articles

Is buying one of the best performing FTSE 100 stocks in 2023 wise right now?

Volatility has hurt many FTSE 100 stocks. Is one of the better performing shares on the UK’s premier index a…

Read more »

Young Caucasian woman with pink her studying from her laptop screen
Investing Articles

Is the Shein IPO a nightmare for the boohoo share price?

It was revealed today that Chinese fast fashion giant Shein is preparing to go public in the US. What now…

Read more »

Aerial shot showing an aircraft shadow flying over an idyllic beach
Investing Articles

Is the easyJet share price set to soar in 2024?

The easyJet share price is lower today than in the 2020 stock market crash. Can that be right? Might it…

Read more »

British bank notes and coins
Investing Articles

Should I buy M&G shares for the 9.8% dividend yield?

With the M&G dividend yield close to double digits, this existing shareholder explains why he'd happily buy more of the…

Read more »

British Isles on nautical map
Investing Articles

This cheap UK stock could rise 30%, the City says

Analysts covering Serco Group shares reckon they could rise by over a quarter. But is this UK stock a good…

Read more »

2024 year number handwritten on a sandy beach at sunrise
Investing Articles

Here’s how I’d aim for a million by investing £45 a day

Christopher Ruane thinks putting £45 a day into blue-chip shares could help him aim for a million. Here are some…

Read more »

Light trails from traffic moving down The Mound in central Edinburgh, Scotland during December
Investing Articles

I’d buy FTSE 100 shares in December before the next stock market rally!

Christopher Ruane explains why he would happily snap up cheap FTSE 100 shares between now and the end of the…

Read more »