Below we take a look at the most frequently traded shares through Redmayne-Bentley over the last couple of weeks and consider why they have been so popular.
Tesco (TSCO)
Index: FTSE 100
Sector: Food & Drug Retailers
Market capitalisation: £13.99bn
Supermarket giant, Tesco, came under some selling pressure last week. A recent survey conducted by Kantar Worldpanel showed that Tesco witnessed a sales decline of 0.4 per cent in the 12-week period to 16th August. Furthermore, Tesco’s market share dipped in the period, from 28.3 per cent to 28.1 per cent. However, it was a similar story for the other big three supermarkets, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys. Meanwhile, discount stores Aldi and Lidl saw a 10 and 12 per cent increase in sales respectively.
Sirius Minerals (SXX)
Index: FTSE AIM All-Share
Sector: Mining
Market capitalisation: £931.23m
Shares in Sirius Minerals were heavily traded last week following news of the second stage of funding for its polyhalite mining project in North Yorkshire. The financing is expected to comprise of US$2.6bn in senior debt facilities to be provided from a group of commercial banks, export credit agencies and other financing institutions. Managing Director, Chris Fraser, commented that the financing will help the group “complete the full financing of a development that can generate so many positive economic benefits to the region and country as a whole”.
Spire Healthcare Group (SPI)
Index: FTSE 250
Sector: Healthcare Equipment & Services
Market capitalisation: £1.46bn
Private healthcare company, Spire Healthcare Group, was in favour with investors last week following its first-half results for the six months to the end of June. The group reported a 17 per cent increase in pre-tax profit to £46m, whilst revenue grew from £449.8m to £469.5m. Underlying sales grew in all three of its payor groups as Spire benefited from increasing demand from a growing and ageing population. The group said it expects 3 to 5 per cent revenue growth for the full year, whilst capital expenditure is expected to be in the region of £170m to £190m.
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Please note that investments and income arising from them can fall as well as rise in value and you may lose some or all of the amount you have invested. There is an extra risk of losing money in AIM shares. Past performance and forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Please note that this communication is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell the shares of the companies mentioned.