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The FTSE 100 index experienced a slight dip on Thursday, August 14, 2025, falling 0.2% or 20.63 points to 9,144.60, largely due to the impact of ex-dividend stocks. Blue-chip companies trading without the entitlement to their latest dividend saw their shares pulled lower. This included major players like HSBC, BP, Rio Tinto, Shell, and GSK.
Among the gainers, Aviva saw a significant rise in its shares, climbing 3% or £18.4 to reach a new multi-year high of £677.4. This uptick came following a strong set of results, with the insurer’s half-year operating profit rising by 22% to £1.1 billion.
Aviva's performance in both its wealth management and general insurance sectors has been stellar, with a 16% increase in net flows and a 7% rise in sales.
The company also declared a 10% rise in its interim dividend to £13.1 per share. Similarly, the other motor insurer, Admiral, rose by 6% or £186 to £3,554, and also reported a strong set of results.
Diploma saw its stock fall by 3% or £140 to £5305, after the company announced the sudden resignation of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chris Davies. This decision followed what was described as a lapse in judgment at a recent company event.
Despite the leadership change, Diploma reiterated that it would not alter its financial guidance for the 2025 fiscal year.
Also Read: US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sees 0.5% Growth as Stocks Hit New Highs
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, saw a rise in its shares, adding £2.5 to reach £164.6. This came after the company revealed it had acquired the Isle of Grain liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal for £1.5 billion from National Grid.
Expected to strengthen the UK’s energy space, the strategic acquisition relates to Centrica’s focus on its net-zero commitment and long-term energy security.
As CEO Chris O’Shea stated, this acquisition will help provide reliable and affordable energy availability for both businesses and households.
The FTSE 100 is expected to continue moving higher, with a prediction of a 0.1% gain. Yesterday, the FTSE 100 ended at an all-time high and was up 0.2%, or 17.42 points, surpassing 9,190.73.
In economic news, the UK economy had better-than-expected growth in Q2 with a 0.3% increase in GDP, against expectations of 0.1%. The growth came from services output and production, and a year-on-year growth of 1.2%.
The ex-dividend effect is having an impact on stocks in the FTSE 100 index, but businesses like Centrica, Admiral, and Aviva are still performing well. Meanwhile, the UK economy seems resilient, with better-than-expected GDP growth in Q2.
Investors should keep an eye on developments surrounding important stocks and sectors to gain more insights into market trends.
