Oil prices extend losses as traders downplay Russia sanction risks
Investing.com -- British stocks rose on Monday, while the pound also gained, as data showed the weakest hiring intentions among British businesses since the pandemic, suggesting a gradual cooling in the U.K. labor market that had previously shown resilience.
The blue-chip index FTSE 100 gained 0.4% and the British pound fell 0.2% against the dollar to 1.34.
DAX index in Germany declined 0.5%, the CAC 40 in France fell 0.6%.
Marshalls reports profit decline despite revenue growth in H1 2025
Marshalls PLC (LON:MSLH) reported a decline in adjusted profit before tax to £22 million in the first half of 2025, down from £26.6 million in the same period last year.
The profit drop occurred despite a 4% increase in group revenue to £319.5 million for the six months ended June 30, as lower margins in the Landscaping Products division offset gains in other segments.
The company’s Roofing Products division led growth with an 11% sales increase to £97.4 million, while Building Products revenue rose 6% to £86.2 million. In contrast, Landscaping Products revenue decreased 1% to £135.4 million.
Adjusted operating profit fell to £28.4 million from £34 million a year earlier, with the adjusted operating margin shrinking to 8.9% from 11.1%.
British businesses show weakest hiring intentions since pandemic
British businesses are showing their weakest hiring intentions since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to surveys released Monday that indicate a softening job market.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reported that only 57% of private sector employers plan to recruit staff over the next three months. This figure represents the lowest level since the start of 2021.
The decline marks only a slight decrease from the previous quarterly survey, which showed 58% of private sector employers planning to hire new staff.
S4 Capital in early talks to acquire MSQ Partners
S4 Capital PLC (LON:SFOR) has confirmed it is in preliminary discussions with MSQ Partners regarding a potential acquisition.
The digital advertising and marketing services company said the talks are at an early stage, with the proposal involving MSQ Partners being acquired by S4 Capital.
The confirmation came in response to press speculation about a possible deal between the two firms. No further details about the potential terms or timeline for the proposed transaction have been disclosed.
Plus500 (LON:PLUSP) to hand back $165 mln through buybacks, dividends
In other corporate news, Plus500 announced it will return $165 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends after posting positive first-half results.
The fintech company reported a 4% rise in first-half revenue to $415.1 million and net profit of $149.6 million, up slightly from $148.8 million a year earlier.
The shareholder payout includes $90 million in share repurchases, divided between a $35 million interim program and a $55 million special buyback.
Additionally, $75 million will be distributed as dividends, split between a $35 million interim payment and a $40 million special dividend.
GSK (LON:GSK) gets FDA priority review for oral gonorrhoea antibiotic
Meanwhile, British drugmaker GSK said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted its application for priority review of gepotidacin, an oral antibiotic to treat sexually transmitted uncomplicated gonorrhoea.
M&S (LON:MKS) restarts clothing click-and-collect after cyber hack
British retailer Marks & Spencer (OTC:MAKSY) has resumed taking click and collect orders for clothing after suspension following a cyber hack and data theft.
While online delivery orders resumed on June 10, click and collect services had remained suspended until now.
Heathrow marks busiest month ever in July
Heathrow Airport reported its busiest month ever in July, with particularly strong traffic on North American routes.
The airport said it had its busiest day ever on August 1 and its busiest month on record for North American traffic, mostly around Independence Day.
Heathrow also stated it remains the most punctual major hub in Europe, outperforming airports in Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt and Madrid.
Rolls-Royce (LON:RR) offloads £4.3 bln U.K. pension scheme
In other news, Rolls Royce has sold its U.K. pension pot in a £4.3 billion deal with insurance firm Pension Insurance.
The agreement, which represents the largest UK risk-transfer so far this year, covers the pensions of 36,000 people and any of the engine maker’s outstanding liabilities.
Rolls-Royce Chief Financial Officer Helen McCabe called the deal "a win-win for all our stakeholders" and "another step on our journey towards simplifying Rolls-Royce."
Spectris (LON:SXS) nixes advent interest in favour of KKR’s agreed deal
British scientific instruments maker Spectris said on Friday it had decided against proceeding with Advent’s buyout proposal, days after backing rival suitor KKR’s $6.4 billion offer.