FTSE 100 FINISH LINE 12/2/26
FTSE 100 FINISH LINE 12/2/26
The UK's FTSE 100 reached a record high on Thursday, fuelled by a sharp surge in Schroders' stock, which soared over 30% following news of its acquisition by U.S. investment giant Nuveen. Economic data, however, painted a mixed picture as the UK economy showed minimal growth in the final quarter of 2025. GDP for December matched forecasts with a modest 0.1% month-on-month increase, but a downward revision of November's figure by 0.1% caused quarterly growth to miss expectations, registering at 0.1% instead of the projected 0.2%. On an annual basis, growth slowed to 1.0% from 1.2% in Q3, further declining to 0.7% in monthly terms. Private consumption rose as anticipated, increasing by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter, but government spending fell slightly short of forecasts, growing 0.4% compared to the expected 0.5%. Investment data was less encouraging, with overall investment dipping by 0.1% instead of the predicted 0.1% rise. Business investment experienced a notable contraction, shrinking by 2.7% quarter-on-quarter, though the broader investment outlook remains cautiously positive. Economic growth faced challenges from budgetary uncertainties, but preliminary data for Q1 hints at a mild recovery. However, annual growth may face additional pressure due to tough comparisons with a particularly strong Q1 performance in the previous year.
In individual stock movements, Schroders' shares surged by as much as 31%, reaching their highest level in over four years. The rally followed Nuveen's announcement of its £9.9 billion ($13.5 billion) acquisition deal, one of the largest fund management transactions in European history. Schroders led the gains on the FTSE 100, which briefly touched an all-time intraday high before retreating slightly. Unilever saw a 1.1% dip after cautioning that its 2026 sales growth might land at the lower end of its forecast range, citing slower demand in the U.S. and Europe. Meanwhile, British American Tobacco slid 2.3% following news of job cuts and its full-year results. Elsewhere, Morgan Sindall surged 4.6%, leading the mid-cap index, as the construction company projected stronger-than-expected results for 2026, supported by a 17% boost in its order book entering the year. On the flip side, Rentokil Initial shares dropped 4.2%, following disappointing fourth-quarter revenue and earnings from its U.S. counterpart, Rollins, which missed Wall Street expectations.
TECHNICAL & TRADE VIEW - FTSE100
Daily VWAP Bullish
Weekly VWAP Bullish
Above 10350 Target 10510 – target achieved, Waiting For New Pattern
Below 10325 Target 10250
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Patrick has been involved in the financial markets for well over a decade as a self-educated professional trader and money manager. Flitting between the roles of market commentator, analyst and mentor, Patrick has improved the technical skills and psychological stance of literally hundreds of traders – coaching them to become savvy market operators!