Shorting a stock refers to the process where an investor borrows a stock and sells it, with the aim of buying it back at a lower price. It’s a transaction that will be profitable if the share price falls. The net short position refers to the sum of all the individual shorts of the particular stock. An investor might have this focus based on the potential for poor earnings or as protection against a falling market. Here are the current most shorted London Stock Exchange (LSE) shares to take note of.

The list in full

• ITM Power (LSE:ITM) has a net short position of 4.57% (that percentage of its free-floated shares are shorted). This makes it the most shorted stock on the list. Despite a lot of optimism around renewable energy stocks, the share price has dropped by 54% over the past year. Part of this is associated with the accounting problems it’s experiencing.
• Kingfisher (LSE:KGF) is second on 4.49%. After the pandemic boom, financials have been tapering off for the FTSE 100 member. The 2022 full-year results showed a 39.3% fall in statutory pre-tax profit versus the previous year.
• Keywords Studios (LSE:KWS). The AIM-listed stock provides technical and creative services for clients. The decline in the share price this year comes partly from concerns around the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the company. The net short position is currently 4.13%.
• Naked Wines (LSE:WINE) has a net short position of 3.63%. The overhaul and cost-cutting drive announced in Q4 of last year is under way, but short-term pain is hampering the share price so far this year.
• Hargreaves Lansdown (LSE:HL) is a retail investing platform based in the UK. It has lost ground recently as other players have tried to push into its wealth management sector. The net short position is 3.46%.
• Dg Innovate (LSE:DGI) has seen the share price collapse in the past year. The company now trades as a penny stock with a market cap of just £5.12m. It announced plans to reorganise capital and fundraise last month. The net short position is 3.4%.
• Hammerson (LSE:HMSO) is listed on the FTSE 250. The property developer has a net short position of 3.34%. The cyclical nature of the property market means that it usually struggles during a down period such as the UK economy is currently in.
• Cineworld Group (LSE:CINE) has a net short position of 3.29%. The problems of the pandemic have been well documented, with lingering doubts about the future of the company. This is reflected in the amount of short interest.
• boohoo group (LSE:BOO) is a fast fashion online retailer. Over the past couple of years it has been hit by scandals, high cost inflation and thin profit margins. These factors and more are why the net short position stands at 3.26%.
• Sainsbury J (LSE:SBRY) rounds off the top 10 with a net short position of 3.24%. Record high grocery inflation has negatively impacted the business, but the 27% jump in the stock over the past year means short sellers need to be careful.

The post Here are the 10 most shorted LSE shares appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

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• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

Jon Smith has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Hargreaves Lansdown Plc and J Sainsbury Plc. 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.

Will the markets be sufficiently reassured by the government’s latest dramatic u-turn? The pound has picked up a little, but analysts are apparently expecting another week of uncertainty for the FTSE 350.

Calmer week?

The FTSE 100 gained 9 points Friday to finish on 6,859 points. Overall, that was a 1.9% loss on the week, which is better than things were looking on Wednesday after six straight days of losses.

Ocado was the biggest winner on Friday with a 4.8% gain, but only after a lengthy losing trend.

The FTSE 350 put on 7 points the same day to end at 3,776 points, down a similar 1.9% over the week. Wizz Air led the mid-cap FTSE 250 index on Friday with an 8.4% increase. International Distributions Services (previously known as Royal Mail Group) showed the biggest fall, of 10.5%.

US market falls

US markets dropped on Friday after inflation figures came in higher than expected. The S&P 500 fell 87 points (2.4%) on the day to finish the week at 3,583 points.

The Nasdaq high-tech index lost a whopping 328 points (3%) to dip as low as 10,321 points. That’s only 233 points above its 52-week low.

Week ahead

There’s little company news coming our way Monday, except for a trading update from Hargreaves Lansdown. But we’ll have some key updates during the week.

Full-year results from housebuilder Bellway are due Tuesday. The figures will only take us up to the company’s year-end in July. But hopefully we’ll also get some idea of how the market has been going since then.

We’ll have the latest from the mining sector too, with trading updates from Rio Tinto on Tuesday, followed by Antofagasta and BHP Group on Wednesday. Centamin reports on its third quarter on Thursday.

Oil and gold

Oil has remained reasonably steady, with the price of a barrel of Brent Crude hanging around the $92.50 level.

The gold price, meanwhile, has fallen back from recent highs and now stands at $1,655 per ounce. That’s some way back from its year high of $2,113.

Brokers

Brokers remain largely neutral on mining stocks, but they mostly have positive price targets for them. JP Morgan Cazenove, for example, has set a target of 5,450p on Rio Tinto, currently priced at 4,752p.

Deutsche Bank has slashed its target price for Boohoo Group from a previous 140p to just 36p. The shares currently sell for 38.7p

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Monday 17 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Hargreaves Lansdown, Ocado Group, and boohoo group. 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.

The FTSE 350 had some light relief after rumours of another mini-budget u-turn Thursday.

Declines halted?

It looked like we were in for yet another red day on the UK stock market Thursday, with the FTSE 100 plunging as low as 6,708 points early in the afternoon. That was its lowest point for the past 12 months.

But rumours emerged that the UK government was discussing possible changes to its controversial mini-budget. And by the end of the day, the FTSE 100 had just edged ahead of Wednesday’s close, up 24 points (0.4%) to 6,850 points.

The FTSE 350 had a similar day, also dropping to a 12-month low, of 3,689 points. But it closed with a gain of 21 points (0.6%) at 3,769 points.

Investors will most likely be watching Friday for any adjustments to the government’s fiscal plans, from which it has said it is definitely not budging.

US gains

US inflation figures are in. The US consumer price index actually dropped a little in September, to 8.2% from August’s 8.3%, but that’s still higher than had been expected.

Still, US stock markets ended their losings streak too. By close Thursday, the S&P 500 had gained 93 points (2.6%) to finish at 3,670 points.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 232 points (2.2%) to reach 10,649, still short of the 11,000 point level.

Dividends

A number of FTSE 350 companies are set to pay dividends on Friday. That includes a final dividend from Baltic Classifieds Group.

Those paying interim dividends include FTSE 100 bank Standard Chartered. The bank, which also announced a $500m share buyback at interim time, is set to pay 4 cents per share.

Interim cash will also be on its way to Derwent London, TBC Bank Group and Pagegroup shareholders, with Pagegroup also paying a special dividend.

Oil falling

The week’s negative economic news had been sending the price of oil gradually down. But a barrel of Brent Crude ticked up a couple of percent Thursday to around $94.50. But that’s still lower than the $98 levels it reached right after Opec+ announced its reduction in production.

Broker updates

Berenberg Bank has reiterated its buy stance on cybersecurity specialist Darktrace, with a 600p price target on the stock, with the shares currently trading at 297p.

Deutsche Bank, meanwhile, has National Grid as a hold with a 1,020p price target. At the current price at 861p, that’s a possible 19% upside.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Friday 14 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Standard Chartered. 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.

The thing to watch out for on Thursday might simply be whatever further economic bad news could create more stock market turmoil. Fears of a recession and a financial crisis helped send the FTSE 350 down again on Wednesday.

Six days

The UK stock market has now fallen for six days in a row. The FTSE 100 dipped another 59 points, ending Wednesday down 0.9% at 6,826 points. The total loss since its last up day on 4 October is now 3.7%.

JD Sports Fashion led the collapse, losing 10.3% on the day we learned the firm’s Chief Financial Officer is to step down, but without giving a reason. Persimmon and Lloyds Banking Group were also among the big fallers, down 6.2% and 5.8% respectively.

The FTSE 350 lost 37 points (1%) to close at 3,747 points. Over six market days, that’s a 4.1% loss. John Wood Group led the mid-cap fallers, with an 11.6% drop.

US markets

The US stock market came within a hair of breaking its five-day losing streak, before edging down a fraction in the last minutes before the close to also make it six on the trot.

The S&P 500 finished 12 points (0.3%) down at 3,577 points. And the Nasdaq dipped nine points (0.1%) to close at 10,417 points.

Trading updates

Betting firm Entain will deliver a third-quarter update Thursday. The first half saw earnings rising, but the share price has fallen 48% over the past 12 months. We’re still looking at a growth share valuation, with a forecast price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 40.

We should also have a first-quarter update from recruitment specialist Hays. Hays shareholders have had a tough year too, with their shares down 35%.

Dividends

It’s ex-dividend day for a number of FTSE 350 companies Thursday. It includes Close Brothers Group and NCC Group going ex-div with respect to final dividends. And we’ll have the same for the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Investment Trust.

It’s also interim ex-dividend date for Taylor Wimpey, Tesco, WPP on the FTSE 100. And for Howden Joinery, Spirax-Sarco Engineering, Bluefield Solar Income Fund and the Balanced Commercial Property Trust in the FTSE 250. And it’s quarterly ex-dividend day for Primary Health Properties.

Interim dividend payments should be on their way to Crest Nicholson Holdings shareholders too.

Economic update

Thursday should bring us the RICS Housing Market Survey in the UK. And the US will hear news of its latest Consumer Price Index.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Thursday 13 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Howden Joinery Group, Lloyds Banking Group, NCC , Primary Health Properties, and Tesco. 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.

The FTSE 350 fell for the fifth day in row Tuesday, as the Bank of England stepped in again to try to settle the financial turmoil. The International Monetary Fund also warned that the UK faces high inflation for longer than most countries, made worse by Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s tax cuts.

FTSE falling

The FTSE 100 kept sliding further below the 7,000 level, ending Tuesday at 6,885 points. That was a 74 point (1.1%) fall on the day. And London’s top index is now down 201 points, or 2.8%, since its last positive day on 4 October.

Ocado continued its slide after UK retail figures were released, dropping 5.3% on Tuesday. Ocado shares are now down 74% over the past 12 months.

Insurers were among the biggest fallers too, with Legal & General losing 5.2% and Aviva dropping 4.2%.

The FTSE 350 fell by a similar 1.1% margin, dropping 42 points on Tuesday to end at 3,785 points. In this case, we’re looking at a 3.2% fall since 4 October.

US decline

US stock markets have also suffered five straight says of losses. The S&P 500 fell 0.7% Tuesday to 3,589 points, down 5.3% since 4 October.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 1.1% on the day, to 10,426 points. And it’s dropped 6.7% over the same five trading days.

Company updates

We’ll have a trading update from Barratt Developments, in the FTSE 100, on Wednesday. Updates should be coming from QinetiQ and Darktrace too.

Investors’ eyes will also be directed to Thursday, when FTSE 100 betting firm Entain is due to release a trading update. And there’ll be a number of FTSE 100 companies going ex-dividend the same day.

Economic indicators

Several UK economic indicators are due on Wednesday, and will almost certainly help set the market direction.

Gross Domestic Product figures will probably dominate, and we also have Industrial and Manufacturing Production updates coming too. Balance of Trade figures are also scheduled. And who knows, maybe the weak pound might help our exports.

Oil dipping

The recent oil price hike has continued to soften. After OPEC+ decided to lower production, Brent Crude rose above $98 per barrel, though still well below June’s peak levels.

But in the past couple of days, it’s dropped back to a little over $94 per barrel. It seems traders expect reductions in demand due to economic contraction to outweigh any shortage of supply.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Wednesday 12 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Ocado Group. 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.

Any optimism at the start of the new week receded, as the FTSE 350 quickly started dipping on Monday.

FTSE in the red

The FTSE 100 dropped 32 points (0.5%) to end Monday on 6,959 points. That’s despite news that the government now intends to reveal its fiscal plan on 31 October. Unless, of course, political minds change yet again and it doesn’t.

Rising bond yields, increasing the cost of government borrowing, didn’t help. And it happened despite the Bank of England’s efforts to control things.

The FTSE 350 lost 22 points for a slightly bigger 0.6% fall, ending at 3,827 points.

Among the fallers of the day we saw Centrica and Rolls-Royce. DS Smith was the biggest FTSE 100 winner, gaining a heady 12% after releasing an upbeat trading statement. The shares are still down 30% in 12 months, though.

Moneysupermarket.com led the mid-cap FTSE 250 index with a 7.5% climb.

US markets

US markets slipped similarly, with the S&P 500 dropping 28 points (0.8%) to end Monday at 3,612.

The Nasdaq ended the day at 10,542 points, down 110 points for a bigger 1% fall. The tech stock index hasn’t managed to break above the 11,000 level yet this week. Perhaps on Tuesday.

Retail sales

There’s very little company news coming Tuesday, so not much to tell us what’s really happening. But the day should start with the latest UK retail sales figures, and those could set the scene for results from retailers in the coming weeks.

The uncertainty and anticipation might well have been holding back the markets Monday. And the figures might set the scene for Tuesday’s movements.

Broker updates

We’re seeing a little optimism from brokers this week, with JP Morgan raising its price target for Imperial Brands, while keeping its positive target for HSBC Holdings steady. The same broker, together with Barclays, is also upbeat on Diageo.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank has reiterated its 180p price target for Aston Martin Lagonda. With the shares at 90p, some might consider that optimistic.

Oil slips

The oil price has been rising since Opec+ announced its production reduction. But it held back a little Monday, with Brent Crude dipping below $96 per barrel after having previously risen above $98.

Commentators reckon its all down to investors considering the likelihood of a global recession. And how any resulting reductions in fuel demand could weight against the restrictions in supply.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Tuesday 11 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, DS Smith, Diageo, HSBC Holdings, Imperial Brands, and Moneysupermarket.com. 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.

It looks like we could be in for another very uncertain week for the FTSE 350 this week.

Still below 7,000

The FTSE 100 ended last week with three days of losses in a row. But at least they were relatively small ones. The top index even briefly broke through 7,000 points on each of those days, but wasn’t able to hold on. It ended Friday at 6,991 points, up 97 points (1.4%) on the week.

The FTSE 350 followed a similar path through the week, ending the week on a modest overall gain of 52 points (1.4%), at 3,849 points.

US stability

Markets in the US had a steadier week, following on from a volatile spell. The S&P 500 recorded a relatively modest gain of 54 points (1.5%) to finish Friday at 3,640 points.

The Nasdaq put in a weaker recovery. Though it looked like the tech stock index was set to finish the week back above the 11,000 point level, it dipped again on Friday and ended at 10,652, just 76 points (0.7%) up.

Major US growth shares, like Tesla, are still having a tough time. The electric vehicle maker’s stock fell 16% over the week.

Company updates

There’s not much company news coming on Monday, but a couple will deliver important updates. In the FTSE 100, student accommodation provider Unite Group will bring us a trading update. The Unite share price has fallen 24% in the past 12 months. Sirius Real Estate, in the FTSE 250 will also release a trading update.

Waste management firm Biffa is scheduled to pay out its final dividend Monday. And the Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust will do the same.

Week ahead

Sports betting firm Entain will bring us a trading update on Thursday, and it should give us some feedback on where discretionary spend on gambling is going. It’s probably not upwards, judging by a 47% share price fall in 12 months.

Investment manager Rathbone Brothers is set to deliver an update Thursday too, in a tough investment environment. The shares are down 11% over 12 months.

Oil rising

Much of last week’s later weakness possibly stems from the OPEC+ production cut, as we see the price of oil rising. A barrel of Brent Crude is up at $97 now. And Goldman Sachs has already lifted its price forecasts and sees it reaching $110 this quarter.

Markets could well remain jittery until we see oil steadying at a new level.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Monday 10 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Rathbone Brothers. 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.

As the UK’s political stop-and-start is winding down for the week, the FTSE 350 looks like it could be reaching calmer waters.

Below 7,000 again

The FTSE 100 ended Thursday just below the 7,000 level again, after a very up-and-down week. The top index dropped 55 points (0.8%) on the day to finish at 6,997.

Kingfisher was the biggest FTSE 100 faller Thursday, dropping 4.9%, with Centrica not far behind on a 4.4% dip. Segro was the biggest winner, up 2.6%, and Imperial Brands put on 2.5%.

The FTSE 350, meanwhile, fell 24 points (0.6%) to end the day on 3,861 points. Hopefully with not too much drama expected Friday, the London stock market might end this week a little less traumatically.

US markets calmer

Over in the US, the stock market also had a relatively subdued day Thursday, and could be emerging from recent storms as we approach the end of the week.

The S&P 500 fell by 39 points (1%) to close the day at 3,745 points. The Nasdaq managed to hold above the 11,000 level, dropping 75 points (0.7%) to finish the day at 11,073 points.

Dividend time

We’ve seen a lot of dividend payments this week, and there are more Friday. FTSE 100 building materials supplier CRH is due to send out its first-half dividend. Land Securities is also due to pay out, this time a quarterly dividend.

Shareholders should also be getting dividends from FTSE 250 companies LondonMetric Property, Centamin, Grafton Group, Drax Group, and Greggs.

And it’s interim dividend time at several FTSE 250 investment trusts, including JPMorgan Global Growth & Income, JPMorgan American Investment Trust and Personal Assets Trust.

House prices

Investors in the UK’s housebuilders have had a tough few months as share prices have fallen amid fears of a property crunch. Persimmon shares, for example, have fallen 50% in the past 12 months.

Are worse things to come? We might get a bit of a hint Friday when the latest Halifax House Price Index update is due.

Oil still climbing

After OPEC+ countries decided to reduce their output by 2 million barrels per day, oil prices continued to climb Thursday.

It’s perhaps no surprise that Barclays has reiterated its buy recommendation on Shell, with a target price of 3,300p. As of Thursday’s close, Shell shares stand at 2,312p.

The price of gold appears to be remaining steady at around $1,710 per ounce.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Friday 7 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, Imperial Brands, Landsec, and LondonMetric Property PLC. 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.

Wobbly FTSE

It looked like Wednesday might be a confusing day on the stock market, and so it turned out. FTSE 100 shares mostly fell across the board, with the index closing 34 points (0.5%) down at 7,053. It could have been worse, had BP and Shell not propped things up on the back of an OPEC production cut.

The FTSE 350 ended Wednesday on a 24-point (0.6%) drop, at 3,885 points.

US markets calm

US stock markets had a calm day Wednesday, following on from days of big swings in either direction. Might the week end less traumatically, or are investors regrouping for a dramatic finale?

The S&P 500 closed Wednesday with an eight point (0.2%) drop to 3,783 points. The Nasdaq declined by 28 points (0.3%) to close at 11,149.

Trading update

We’re due a trading update from electronics and electrical distributor RS Group on Thursday, ahead of first-half results due on 3 November.

The FTSE 100 company’s shares are down 4% over the past 12 months. But they’ve gained a healthy 46% over five years. Dividend yields are modest at under 2%.

Dividends

Thursday is final ex-dividend date for FTSE 100 packaging specialist DS Smith. The total has been lifted 24% to 15p per share, for a 5.8% yield on the current share price.

In the FTSE 250, IT services firm Kainos Group goes ex-div on a more modest 1.7% yield.

Thursday is also interim ex-dividend day for Centrica and Kingfisher in the FTSE 100. And for Weir, Synthomer, Hammerson, Bank of Georgia, RIT Capital Partners, Bodycote, Vistry, Morgan Sindall and Travis Perkins in the FTSE 250.

Two Dividend Heroes, investment companies that have raised their dividends for at least 20 years in a row, also go interim ex-div on Thursday. They are F&C Investment Trust (51 years) and Merchants Trust (40 years). Murray International Trust is there too, bubbling under with 16 years of increases.

Interim dividends should be paid on Thursday to shareholders in InterContinental Hotels, Serco, Intertek and Convatec.

Oil rising

After OPEC+ (which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia) decided to cut oil production by two million barrels per day, the price of the stuff rose.

By late Wednesday, a barrel of Brent Crude had spiked to over $93.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Thursday 6 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

More reading

• 3 FTSE shares with many years of consecutive dividend growth
• Prediction: Diageo shares could soar in the next 5 years if this happens…
• With a P/E of 5.9 is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy dirt-cheap easyJet shares?
• Think the soaring Tesco share price is too good to be true? Read this…
• BAE Systems shares are up 274% in 46 months. And I reckon there could be more to come

The Motley Fool UK has recommended Bodycote, Kainos, Synthomer, and Weir. 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.

The FTSE 350 steadied on Tuesday, despite continuing political and economic uncertainty.

FTSE bounces back

First we thought Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng was going to bring forward the publication of his fiscal plans. But then he confirmed he wasn’t, and was sticking to his original date of 23 November. Oh, and then he later said he will release it all early after all. Confused? You will be.

The FTSE 100 still put in a positive day, gaining 178 points (2.6%) to close back above the 7,000 level at 7,086 points. Banks and insurers were among the day’s winners, while utilities companies were among the few fallers.

The FTSE 350 added 101 points (2.7%) to end Tuesday at 3,909 points. It’s sometimes possible to gauge market sentiment and guess were things might go the next day. But trying to figure what the market might do Wednesday is not easy.

US support

We might see a UK boost Wednesday after US markets recorded another day of gains. The S&P 500 put on 113 points (3.1%) Tuesday to close at 3,791. At the same time, the Nasdaq closed above 11,000 at 11,176 points, for a 361-point (3.3%) gain.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are now both up 5.7% in the first two days of the week.

Tesco results

Tesco heads the market news Wednesday, with the supermarket giant set to deliver first-half results. The first quarter saw a small like-for-like sales fall in the UK and Ireland, excluding Booker sales. But Tesco’s market share increased a little.

The Tesco share price is down 15% over the past 12 months, and 12% down over five years. But the company has been paying progressive dividends, forecast to yield around 5.5% this year.

Interim dividend

Wednesday is another thin day on dividend news, but shareholders in international property services company Savills should be getting their interim dividend payments. A modest full-year yield of 2.4% is forecast, after weakness has sent Savills shares down 37% in the past 12 months.

Brokers’ updates

Brokers are remaining mostly positive in their recommendations on FTSE 100 stocks. Deutsche Bank has just reiterated its buy stance on AstraZeneca, setting a share price target of 12,000p — 20% ahead of the current price. It follows a day after Citigroup also reiterated its buy recommendation on the pharmaceuticals giant.

Barclays, meanwhile, is bullish on Reckitt with a target of 8,900p, hoping for a 49% gain.

The post 5 things to watch on the FTSE 350 on Wednesday 5 Oct 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, Reckitt plc, and Tesco. 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.