.png){kind=logo}
The FTSE 100 index is on track for another positive session, fueled by positive earnings reports from key companies and signs of economic optimism across global markets. Despite a strong performance from major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, several companies are facing mixed results that are impacting investor sentiment.
FTSE 100 live updates offer investors a snapshot of market movements throughout the trading day. FTSE 100 live today reflects the current performance of the top UK-listed companies.
The construction and infrastructure company Balfour Beatty has provided some positive news in its first-half results. The company's order book increased to £19.5 billion, or 6%, which provides strong visibility for growth into 2026 and beyond.
FTSE 100 prices often react to global economic data and geopolitical events. The firm saw a 15% rise in underlying profit of £108 million, driven by growth in UK construction and support services.
FTSE 100 remains a key benchmark for assessing the UK stock market’s health. However, complications occurred in the US construction business relating to delays in a Texas civil engineering project, which resulted in a loss in that sector.
Persimmon Results can influence investor sentiment in the real estate and construction sectors. Despite this, Balfour Beatty's diversified business model continues to perform well with the promise of growth across its strategic sectors of UK energy transition, defence, and transport.
Additionally, CEO Leon Quinn remarked on a strong pipeline of UK government business, perfectly aligned with the company's capabilities, which added confidence to their outlook.
Shoe Zone, the UK footwear retailer, has slashed its profit guidance after struggling through a difficult summer. The company now expects adjusted profits for the year to be around £2.5 million, a significant drop from its earlier forecast of £5 million and last year’s £10 million.
The loss of consumer confidence following the Budget, coupled with inflation and high interest rates, has led to a significant decline in footfall to its stores. The retailer has temporarily ceased its dividend policy but is still debt-free and has a strong cash position.
Persimmon, the UK-based housebuilder, released very strong first-half results, with underlying profits growing 11% to £164.9 million and an increase in home completions of 4%, maintaining its target of between 11,000 to 11,500 units in 2025. However, industry cost pressures on top of affordability constraints continue to be a challenge.
CEO Dean Finch pointed out that the company's strategy of being in self-help mode and its operational improvements have enabled them to keep the business on a steady growth trajectory, even in a challenging environment.
Also Read: US Stock Market Today: US Stocks Soar on CPI Report, S&P 500 Rises 0.6%, Nasdaq 100 Gains 0.7%
FTSE 100 continues to push further, nearing a record high of 9190.73, and is up 33.92 points to 9181.73. AstraZeneca and BAE Systems are the main drivers of this momentum, but concerns remain for a few sectors.
Shares of Persimmon fell £16 despite strong results, which indicates that the underlying housing market is still challenging, while Shoe Zone and Beazley announced profit warnings.
Investors are keeping a close eye on economic signals globally, with markets appearing to be strong despite regional challenges. For now, the FTSE 100 remains on a steady upward trajectory, prioritizing growth areas like construction, housing, and defence.
