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.

London pre-open: Stocks seen up; shop price inflation eases

(Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to rise at the open on Tuesday following a mostly positive session in Asia. The FTSE 100 was called to open 22 points higher at 7,475.

Investors will be digesting the latest data from the British Retail Consortium and NielsenIQ, which showed that shop price inflation eased in June, to 8.4%. from 9.0% in May.

Food inflation eased to 14.6% from 15.4%.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: "Households up and down the country will welcome the easing of shop price inflation in June. Food inflation slowed for the second consecutive month, particularly for fresh products, as retailers cut the price of many staples including milk, cheese and eggs. Clothing and electrical goods also saw falling prices, helping customers to pick up a bargain ahead of the summer holidays.

"If the current situation continues, food inflation should drop to single digits later this year. However, it is imperative that government does not hamper this progress by introducing costly new policies."

In corporate news, sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion maintained annual guidance despite a slowing of sales growth in May and softening in the US market.

The company said it still expected full-year profit to pass £1bn after positive trading in all regions through May with overall growth in organic sales of around 8%, compared with 15% in the first three months of the year.

"This moderation in the growth was in line with management expectations and reflects tougher comparatives in the prior year as the supply chain normalised and the availability of product improved," it added.

The group's UK, Europe and Asia Pacific businesses were also performing well, partly offset by operations in North America which were "experiencing some softening in trade consistent with other businesses in the sector".

"Inventories in our businesses in North America are at normal levels and we will be no more promotional than we need to be to remain competitive," JD Sports said.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

London midday: FTSE touch firmer after jobs data, Pill comments
(Sharecast News) - London stocks were still just a touch firmer by midday on Tuesday as investors mulled the latest jobs data and comments from Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill.
London open: Stocks nudge up as investors mull jobs data
(Sharecast News) - London stocks were just a touch higher in early trade on Tuesday as investors mulled conflicting UK jobs data.
London pre-open: Stocks seen down as investors mull jobs data
(Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to edge lower at the open on Tuesday as investors mulled data showing the UK jobs market is cooling.
London close: Stocks take a breather after last week's surge
(Sharecast News) - London's stock markets ended the day in negative territory on Monday, with investors taking a breather following a six-day winning streak that propelled the FTSE 100 to a new all-time high.

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.