UKX FTSE 100 Index

London Stocks Seen Opening Lower

0650 GMT - The FTSE 100 is expected to open 44 points lower, according to IG, having closed on Wednesday at 7438.08, after sharp falls in Asian and U.S. stocks due to weak earnings reports which renewed fears about high inflation weighing on growth. "Asian markets were under heavy pressure overnight, as markets reeled from the worst day for Wall Street since 2020," IG says in a note. "The brief bounce in risk assets in the first half of the week looks to have now turned entirely, as inflation and growth fears reassert themselves." Royal Mail, Smiths Group, easyJet and Investec are among a number of individual stocks in focus after earnings updates. (jessica.fleetham@wsj.com)

 
Companies News: 

Royal Mail FY 2022 Pretax Profit Fell, Revenue Rose Slightly

Royal Mail PLC said Thursday that pretax profit fell in fiscal 2022 due to a strong comparative period, though revenue rose slightly.

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Smiths Group Nine-Month Organic Revenue Rose; Backs FY 2023 Revenue Views

Smiths Group PLC said on Thursday that organic revenue for first nine months of its fiscal 2022 grew, but reiterated its full-year guidance on revenue growth given macroeconomic uncertainties.

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National Grid Expects Flat FY 2023 Earnings After FY 2022's Strong Growth

National Grid PLC on Thursday forecast flat earnings for fiscal 2023, and reported an improved profit for fiscal 2022.

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Currys Appoints ASOS' Ian Dyson as Chairman

Currys PLC said Thursday that it has appointed Ian Dyson to succeed Ian Livingston as chairman in September.

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EasyJet 1H Pretax Loss Narrowed as Capacity Increased, Warns on Higher 2H Costs

easyJet PLC said Thursday that its pretax loss for the first half of fiscal 2022 narrowed as revenue rose due to increased capacity, but that fuel prices and the dollar exchange rate will add to costs in the second half.

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Investec FY 2022 Pretax Profit, Funds Under Management Rose

Investec PLC said Thursday that pretax profit and funds under management increased in fiscal 2022, driven by the postpandemic economic recovery, and raised its dividend payout.

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QinetiQ FY 2022 Pretax Profit Fell on Higher Costs

QinetiQ Group PLC said Thursday that pretax profit fell for fiscal 2022 after booking higher costs, and that it has entered fiscal 2023 with confidence, positive momentum and a healthy order book.

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Royal Mail FY 2022 Pretax Profit Fell Despite Revenue Rise; Warns on Short-Term Challenges

Royal Mail PLC said Thursday that pretax profit fell in fiscal 2022 against a strong comparative period, though revenue rose slightly, and it sees clear short-term challenges over the coming year.

Contact: London NewsPlus, Dow Jones Newswires; Dow Jones Newswires; paul.larkins@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 19, 2022 03:09 ET (07:09 GMT)

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