By Samuel Indyk
Investing.com – At 08:50BST, the FTSE 100 is trading higher by 0.1% at 7,002.75. The mid-cap FTSE 250 is trading higher by 0.6% at 23,010.56.
Sectors in focus
Travel & Leisure – Cabinet ministers reportedly discussing allowing fully vaccinated travellers from the US and EU to avoid quarantine on entering UK. PM Johnson said they are discussing a travel corridor with US. Airlines in sector include IAG (LON:ICAG), EasyJet (LON:EZJ), Ryanair (LON:RYA). Also impacts jet engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce (LON:RR).
Homebuilders – UK house prices fall 0.5% MoM in June, according to Nationwide. Annual house price growth slows to 10.5% from 13.4% as emergency pandemic housing measures end.
Gainers
Barclays (LON:BARC) (+4.1%) – Profit soars to £5 billion and dividend resumed. Company initiates further share buyback of £500 million and releases £0.7 billion of credit impairment provisions.
St. James’s Place (LON:SJP) (+4.7%) – Gross inflows increase to £9.2 billion. Group funds under management soar to record £143.8 billion. Declared interim dividend of 11.55 pence per share.
Fresnillo (LON:FRES) (+4.0%) – Silver production up 17.9% QoQ, Gold production down 12.3% QoQ. On track to meet full year guidance.
Wizz Air (LON:WIZZ) (+3.2%) - In July and August 2021 company expects to operate around 90% and 100% of 2019 capacity, respectively. Remains cautious making predictions for winter period.
Marston’s (LON:MARS) (+2.8%) – Easing of lockdowns helped pub operator generate positive earnings and cash flow in May and June. Helped by Euro 2020 and warmer weather.
Meggitt (LON:MGGT) (+3.0%) – Reports in the Times that a PE is reportedly considering a bid for the company. Woodward also said to be interested.
Laggards
Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) (-0.3%) – Facing FCA probe into Oyu Tolgoi copper mine. Returning $9.1 billion to shareholder via interim and special dividend.