UPDATE 2-FTSE 100's winning streak broken as Brexit delay plea hits financials

By Kitco News / March 20, 2019 / www.kitco.com / Article Link


* FTSE 100 down 0.5 pct
* FTSE 250 down 0.8 pct
* Financials, housebuilders slip after Brexit delay request
* Miners fall on oversupply concerns
* Kingfisher down after results, CEO change plan
* Inmarsat jumps on go-private talks
* Kier skids after results, dividend cut (Adds news items, analyst comment, updates to closing prices)By Shashwat Awasthi and Yadarisa ShabongMarch 20 (Reuters) - Financial stocks and housebuildersslipped after British Prime Minister Theresa May asked theEuropean Union to delay Brexit and caused the FTSE 100 to snap aseven-day winning streak, while a slide in sterling pulled themid-cap index lower.However, satellite operator Inmarsat was a bright spot as itsurged on a $3.3 billion takeover approach.The FTSE 100 ended 0.5 percent lower and the FTSE250 gave up 0.8 percent. Ireland's main index ,often considered a barometer of Brexit jitters, fell 0.6percent.Sterling fell sharply after May asked the EU to delay Brexituntil June 30, but a European Commission document seen byReuters said the delay should either be several weeks shorter,to avoid a clash with European elections in May, or extend atleast until the end of the year. "That the EU would then have to unanimously approve therequest - something that isn't a guarantee - is a furthercomplication for the pound to grapple with," said Spreadexanalyst Connor Campbell.An index of banks skidded 0.6 percent and anindex of housebuilders endured their worst day inmore than three weeks to be the biggest drags on the blue-chipindex. Blue-chip homebuilder stocks gave up between 3-4 percent."As long as the issue of a possible extension remainsinconclusive, bank shares should continue to erode the up-ratinginvestors accorded them," said CityIndex analyst Ken Odeluga.The Brexit update added to woes inflicted by miners , which had slipped as iron ore prices plunged inanticipation of increased supply after Vale SA prepared to restart work at its largest iron ore mine.Home improvement retailer Kingfisher shed 6.4percent on its worst day in nearly a year after it reportedlower full-year results and said it had started the process tofind a replacement for its chief executive officer. Investors also awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve's policydecision, in which it is expected to hold interest rates steady,shave the number of hikes projected for the rest of the year,and detail a plan to end the monthly reduction of its balancesheet. Mid-cap satellite operator Inmarsat jumped 13.1percent on its best day since June 2018 after it confirmedtakeover talks with a consortium of investors that could takethe company private for about $3.3 billion. Automotive fluid storage company TI Fluid Systems scaled up 12.1 percent, its biggest one-day gain on record, asstrong orders boosted annual revenue. But Keir Group tumbled 11.3 percent after itshalf-year underlying earnings fell and the builder slashed itsinterim dividend. (Reporting by Shashwat Awasthi and Yadarisa Shabong inBengaluru; Editing by Gareth Jones)

3403; outside U.S. +91 80 6749 3403; Reuters Messaging:shashwat.awasthi.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

UK hot stocks:[HOT and GB] Wall Street: Gilts report: Euro bond report Pan European stock report: Tokyo stocks: HK stocks: Sterling report: Dollar report:
* For company prices, click on -
* Company directory: By sector:
* For pan-European market data, click on -
* European Equities speed guide................ FTSE Eurotop 300 index........................... DJ STOXX index................................... Top 10 STOXX sectors........................ Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors................... Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors.................. Top 25 European pct gainers.................... Top 25 European pct losers..................... )) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Recent News

Gold stocks outperform equity market gains

October 06, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Most major producers rise but TSXV gold mixed

October 06, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Platinum, palladium, copper gain on green China, supply constraints

September 29, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks continue to soar as markets stumble

September 29, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks again reach new highs

September 22, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com
See all >
Share to Youtube Share to Facebook Facebook Share to Linkedin Share to Twitter Twitter Share to Tiktok