U.K. equities show recovery signs as SMIDs outperform large caps

Published 18/08/2025, 09:06
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- U.K. equities are showing signs of recovery with small and mid-cap stocks (SMIDs) outperforming large caps as the country’s economic environment gradually firms, according to UBS on Monday.

The bank’s analysis indicates that monetary easing, positive housing momentum, and operational resilience are supporting U.K. equities despite fragile global trade and uneven inflation.

U.K. growth remains subdued but more secure, with cost pressures easing in some sectors and Bank of England rate cuts beginning to filter through the economy.

The FTSE 250 is signaling a recovery while the FTSE 100 is flashing downturn signals, reflecting the different exposures of these indices.

Small and mid-cap stocks are more directly benefiting from falling mortgage rates, improving credit access, and stabilizing demand compared to large caps, which remain tied to global trade uncertainty.

Forward earnings momentum for both SMID and large cap U.K. stocks has turned positive, a rare occurrence across Europe, with the Financial sector leading this trend.

During the recent earnings season, companies demonstrated strong operational execution despite navigating headwinds including tariff concerns, geopolitical uncertainty, inflation pressures, and consumer confidence challenges.

Valuation metrics suggest UK.. equities remain undervalued, though a re-rating appears to be underway. FTSE 250 stocks continue to trade at a discount despite strong margins and return profiles that would typically command higher multiples.

UBS identifies three key trade ideas as the U.K. macro environment stabilizes: FTSE 250 versus FTSE 100 positioning, quality at a reasonable price (QARP) stocks, and tariff-free yield opportunities with sterling protection.

The bank’s analysis shows that Utilities, Financials, and Communication Services sectors offer attractive entry points with strong macro and earnings alignment.

Meanwhile, positioning remains crowded in Industrials, Financials, and Consumer Staples, though with narrow conviction.

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