Expert views
Commentary submitted by Russ Mould in their own words.
Back to profileSevern Trent boss to step down after 11 years in top role
Liv Garfield is departing on a high with first-half profit gushing higher.
Demand for oral nicotine and higher cigarette prices boosts Imperial Brands
In the wider market context, what appears a modest advance for Imperial Brands carries more weight.
Average price tag on a home fell by £6,589 in November – Rightmove
Fears about tax changes in the Budget are clearly undermining confidence.
Burberry turns corner with first sales rise in two years
It demonstrates the progress chief executive Joshua Schulman is making with the major restructuring launched since his appointment in July 2024.
Aviva nearly doubles target for cost savings from Direct Line takeover
The market seems underwhelmed by Aviva’s latest update and in particular its three-year targets for the business.
Earnings soar for tinned tuna maker Princes after £1.16bn London IPO
A lot of investors will be sitting on the sidelines until there is a full set of financial results by which to judge the company post-listing.
Vodafone lifts profit guidance as Three tie-up makes ‘fast start’
Telecoms outfit Vodafone ticked three boxes with its first-half results as it promised the first dividend increase in seven years, said it would hit the top end of profit and cash flow guidance, and returned to growth in its key German market.
Shares in British Airways’ owner IAG drop 10% after fall in US demand
Shareholders have to be prepared for some turbulence along the way.
ITV delays some programmes amid knock to ad spend prompted by Budget worries
Businesses are fed up with uncertainty around the Budget and the lack of clear guidance over whether taxes will go up or not.
BT loses broadband customers to rivals and sheds another 5,000 jobs
It may be losing broadband customers to rivals in a competitive market, but BT still managed to dial up some enthusiasm among investors with evidence it is ploughing ahead with its turnaround plan.
Drinks giant Diageo flags weaker demand from US and Chinese consumers
The weak outlook for 2026 reflects poor spirit sales in China and a weaker US consumer environment.
Novo Nordisk cuts sales and profits guidance amid obesity drug competition
Mike Doustdar has his work cut out to revitalise Novo Nordisk.