Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Wednesday preview: Federal Reserve, Softcat in the spotlight

(Sharecast News) - All eyes in the middle of the week will be on the US central bank as it meets to decide on policy.

No change is expected in the Federal Reserve's policy settings, but there is keen interest in the latest outlooks for the economy from its top officials.

Rate-setters in Japan are also due to meet to decide on rates. They too are expected to stand pat.

In the background, investors will be digesting the content of the previous day's telephone conversation between the Presidents of the US and Russia.

Looking out to Softcat's interim figures, UBS analyst Michael Briest forecast a continuation of the trends seen by the company over the first three months of fiscal year 2025, as opposed to the weakness seen in its reseller peers.

Gross profit was seen up by 10.2% over the half, with consensus anticipating a gain of 11.4%.

Cost growth meanwhile was anticipated to have continued to moderate.

Briest also expressed interest in any update as regards the impacts of Microsoft incentive changes to the business, given that Softcat was Microsoft's largest partner in the UK.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

GSK gets preliminary nod for two respiratory drugs in Europe
(Sharecast News) - GSK said on Friday afternoon that two of its respiratory medicines had received positive opinions from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, bringing the company closer to potential approvals across severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Shore Capital hails improved US biotech funding environment for hVIVO
(Sharecast News) - Shares in AIM-listed hVIVO were continuing their recent surge on the back of encouraging signs from the US biotech market, which broker Shore Capital said has created a "much more favourable environment" for the company.
Weir to buy remaining 50% stake in Chile JV ESEL for £56m
(Sharecast News) - Weir said on Friday that it has agreed to buy the remaining 50% share of its Chile-based joint venture ESEL for a sterling equivalent purchase price of £56m.
Jefferies downgrades Whitbread, upgrades IHG
(Sharecast News) - Jefferies downgraded Whitbread to 'hold' from 'buy' on Friday as it applied the reverse upgrade to InterContinental Hotels.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.