$VOD.L

3 stories mentioning VOD.L

Every FINWIRES story that references VOD.L, newest first.

UK Shares End Lower as Investors Assess US-Iran Peace Framework

London's FTSE 100 closed 0.39% down on Monday as markets weighed a US-Iran agreement on a 60-day peace framework, with a formal signing scheduled in Switzerland for Friday.While full details are still uncertain, US President Donald Trump said the agreement would pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade following a formal signing in Switzerland on Friday. Negotiations over Iran's nuclear program are set to continue."What can be said with some confidence is that a credible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would be one of the most important developments for the global economy at this juncture, particularly given that US headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) is above 4% for the first time since 2023, real wages are declining for a second consecutive month, and the [European Central Bank] is still tightening policy into an energy shock, leaving the system with limited capacity to absorb further supply disruption," Rystad Energy said. "In that context, every barrel previously constrained through the Strait represents inflationary pressure that would begin to unwind, at least at the margin."At home, the UK government proposed banning social media use for children under 16, with the restrictions expected to take effect in spring 2027 if approved by parliament. The ban will include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but exclude messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal.In corporate news, telecommunications company Vodafone (VOD.L) dropped 2.81% on the blue-chip index after Deutsche Bank Research reduced its price target to 1.5 pounds sterling from 1.55 pounds, with a buy rating."Whilst telco markets remain periodically combative (it was ever thus), VOD is facing fewer major conflicts across its now more focused footprint and we see material reparation from the UK (synergies), EM (strong EUR growth) and balance sheet simplification (associate buy-ins and disposals) which more than mitigate a Germany drag (ahead of an eventual recovery). We reflect new guidance, a delay to the Kenya deal and the purchase of UK minorities (a postponement rather than curtailment of improved returns) and envisage multiple levers for equity appreciation," analysts said.AstraZeneca's (AZN.L) Alexion unit said the US Food and Drug Administration granted Priority Review to its supplemental biologics license application for Ultomiris, or ravulizumab, for the treatment of adults with immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The drugmaker was down 1.95% at the end of the session.Looking ahead, investors will focus on the Bank of England's interest rate decision and labor market data on Thursday, following the release of UK inflation figures on Wednesday. Consumer confidence and retail sales data are due on Friday.

FTSE 100$AZN.L$VOD.L

Research33d ago

New Street Research Downgrades Vodafone Group to Neutral, Trims PT

New Street Research on Tuesday downgraded British telecommunications company Vodafone Group (VOD.L) to neutral from buy and decreased the price target to 1.25 pounds sterling from 1.30 pounds.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)

$VOD.L

Asia Markets34d ago

UK Shares Flat Amid Growing Political Uncertainty; Intertek Shines

British equities were little changed on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 down 0.04% at closing, as political uncertainty surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer and fresh signs of weakness in the retail sector weighed on sentiment.Four ministers have resigned from the government, adding to concerns over instability within the Labour administration and fueling speculation about Starmer's leadership."A growing rebellion against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer staying on as Prime Minister could force him to resign and generate significant policy uncertainty. A ballot of grassroots Labour party members would decide his replacement, risking a leftward pivot in policy and a lesser commitment to fiscal consolidation. This would likely put downward pressure on UK asset prices in the near term," Berenberg Senior UK Economist Andrew Wishart said.Across the UK's retail sector, sales dropped 3.4% year over year on a like-for-like basis in April 2026, against the 3.1% rise in the previous month, according to data from the British Retail Consortium. The reading, which missed market expectations of a 0.8% increase, marked the first fall in retail activity since November 2024."April's sales fall was largely driven by the Easter shift, with food hit hardest. But weak consumer confidence also played a role as fears about the Middle East conflict driving up living costs led shoppers to rein in. Big-ticket purchases fell, with the recent recovery in furniture losing steam, and uncertainty around summer holidays hitting discretionary spend. With the World Cup coming, retailers hope it will provide a lift, and early signs show demand for TVs and sound systems picking up," BRC Senior Analyst Ian Bendelow said.In corporate news, telecommunications company Vodafone (VOD.L) said its loss attributable to owners of the parent for the 12 months ended March 31 shrank to 397 million euros from 4.17 billion euros year over year amid an increase in revenue. Vodafone was down 7.02%, becoming the blue-chip index's worst performer.On the upside, Intertek Group (ITRK.L) was the top stock, rising 6.43%, after receiving a fourth and final proposal from Swedish private equity giant EQT of 60 pounds sterling per share in cash plus Intertek's planned 2025 final dividend of up to 1.077 pounds per share. The British assurance, testing, and certification company's board rejected EQT's previous offer of 58 pounds per share in cash."ITRK's shares have not been above GBP60 since Q221 and have materially lagged key benchmarks and peers until recently," RBC Capital Markets said. "We see EQT's bid as a fair balance between compensating ITRK shareholders for future upside potential (whilst there is no guarantee that the current Board can deliver seamless upside), and creating a cushion of safety for EQT as it likely plans to prepare ITRK for the next stage on it strategic journey."

FTSE 100$ITRK.L$VOD.L